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^ LICRvUn^OF CONGRESS, t 

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I J7^.// Mh I 

V — J 

I UNITED STATES OF AMEIMCA ^ 



THE 

OVERLAND ROUTE 



TO 



CALIFORNIA. 



AND OTHER POEMS. 



BY JOHN WARD. 



NEW YORK. 



1875. / 



' '^ M^GJ^U^' 



K' 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by 

JOHN WARD, 

in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



Press of Kilbourne Tompkins, 16 Cedar St., New York. 



CONTENTS. 



The Overland Route, ------ 

The Journey, ------ 7 

California, - - - - - - -17 

The Return, ------ 33 

The Undine, - - - - - - -43 

Lady Grace's Bridal, - - - - - 50 

The Storm King, - - - - - "63 

Idyls of Niagara, ------ 

The Cave of the Winds, - - - - - 69 

A View from the "Maid of the Mist,"' - - - 71 

The Lunar Rainbow, - - - - -73 

The Clock Tower, Venice, ----- 75 

After the Wreck, - - - - - - 79 

A Pastoral, - - - - - - - 81 

Lady Belle, ------- 86 

The Water Fay, - - - - - - 89 

The Exile, - - - - - - - 102 

Our Captain's Orders, - - - - - 104 



PAGE. 

Buonarotti's Dome, - - - - - - io6 

Mirrored Clouds, - - - - - - 107 

The Coronation of the Czar, - - . - - 109 

Lookout Mountain, - - - - - - 119 

Fairy Tales of the Tropics, - - - - - 121 

The Elves' Grotto, - - ' - - - 125 

The Gnome King's Wedding, - - - - ^53 

The Queen of the Fairies, - - - - 181 

The Ocean, - - - - - - -219 

A Legend of Vesuvius, - - - - - 223 

Ode to a Comet, - - - - - -254 

A Romance of Amalfi, _ . . _ . 258 

The Taking of New Orleans, - - - - - 274 

The Chamois Hunter, . . _ _ _ 277 



TO 

MY COMPANIONS 

ON THE 

OVERLAND ROUFE, 

A SOUVENIR 

OF 

A PLEASANT JOURNEY. 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



THE JOURNEY. 



We are gliding swift away to tlie grand Pacific shore ; 

And tlie prairies stretcli afar tlieir boundless sweep 
Mississippi's mighty tide, and a hundred rivers more, 

Watch our course to yonder Rocky-Mountain steep. 



II. 



Council Bluffs in beauty rise by the dark Missouri's wave : 
Like sceptred king enthroned, each noble hill ; 

Fair Nebraska stretches wild, where so late the Indian brave 
Shot the bison by the prairie's sparkling rill. 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



III. 



The bluffs recede from view, and the Platte's unbending flow 
Bounds the verdant plain's expanse of virgin mould ; 

Where alone the cotton tree skirts the river's current free ; 
And of yore, untamed, the j^rairie fires rolled. 



IV. 



The sunset fires the sky with a glow of golden haze. 
While horsemen urge the roving cattle home ; 

Then Pawnees view our flight, wondering still, in dull amaze. 
What fiend invades the regions where they roam. 



When the morning light returns, witli the cooling, western breeze, 

The prairie-dogs leap up on many a mound ; 
The antelope comes swift o'er the ])lain unknown to trees, 

Where soldiers guard the Indians' huntino:-o;round. 



THE JOURNEY. 



VI. 



That range of rounding hills marks the nearing mountain-gate ; 

But we miss the shaggy herds of grazing kine : 
"Where countless thousands roamed, came the tireless hand of Fate, 

And Indians for the chase in vain repine. 



VII. 



Like storm clouds from the main, soars the Colorado chain, 
Giant peaks enwrapped in robes of snowy white. 

With majestic mien and glance, pointing, each with icy lance, 
To the calm that reigns in skies supremely bright. 



VIII. 



The mountain breezes sweep through the valleys as we rise. 
While the prairie monarch flies to quiet dales : 

Surging hills, like ocean crests, frown beneath the tranquil skies, 
Rifted by the dreamy slopes of endless vales. 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



IX. 



We scale a towering range of the Rocky-Mountain heights, 
With a slow, increasing rise from mile to mile ; 

The lingering snows attest how we soar with eagle flights, 
Till on yonder lofty crest we pause awhile. 



Onward ! down the giddy steep with a curving, gradual sweep. 
Through the ruddy granite portals on we glide ; 

While the Northern snowy peaks, as we near the Western deep, 
Tell the g-rand Sierras whither swift we ride. 



XL 



Tlie cool Nebraska winds to the far Sweet Water land : 
We watch her current's clear and tranquil flow ; 

Yon mounds resemble walls reared to guard a warrior band. 
And purple mountains catch the sunset glow. 

10 



THE JOURNEY. 



XII. 



Herds of antelopes speed on, as the day draws near its close, 
And the prairie wolf surveys the throng in vain ; 

Then a shower of golden light glows above the distant snows, 
And the evening's silvery cressets gleam again. 



XIII. 



Eising over many a height, when the early morning light 
Wakes thought again from dreaming fancy's chain. 

By the Uintah range we go, crowned with shining crests of snow. 
And pass the wilds of many a desert plain. 



XIV. 



Yon dark Shoshonee braves on the war-path seek the foe. 
Where battle fierce may soon enchant their eyes : 

While noble Washakie stands a chieftain proud and free, 
And the mounted squaw protects her infant prize. 



11 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



XV. 



Amid the native tribes gaze the children of the Sun, 
Tlie almond-eyed Mongolians' ancient race : 

They laid the magic rail ; spanned the torrents one by one ; 
But long their roving footstej)s to retrace. 



XVI. 



Here the Mormon Prophet stood on that rocky pulpit's stair, 
And preached to raptured multitudes below, 

Where Echo Canon's weird, fantastic cliffs breathe in the air 
That sweeps from yonder pinnacles of snow. 



XVII. 



Down the Weber Canon's bends, by her river's ra|3id tide, 
To the beauteous vale below we swiftly speed, 

Where verdant hills uprise to the rugged mountain's side, 
And many a rill divides the grassy mead. 

12 



THE JOURNEY. 



XVIII. 



By the long and snowy range ; o'er the AYeber's quickening stream, 

As it storms the Devil's Grate in rapids grand ; — 
Down to smiling plains beneath, where the Mormon's mystic dream 

Turns the desert to a lovely, fertile land. 



XIX. 



Apollo's radiant bow wings its flaming darts below. 
That gild the vale where steeds of Commerce meet : 

Sentry summits proudly stand, circling round the enchanted land. 
And clearest air brings near their rocky feet. 



XX. 



While the day-star seeks the "West, to the inland sea we haste, 
Where the salt-breeze wafts the duck and curlew's flight ; 

Like snow -fields stretch the plains \where the lake has left the waste. 
And the mountain chain shades dark the Sabbath night. 

13 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



XXL 



O'er Nevada's arid plain, in a misty, driving rain. 

With the morning light, we swiftly speed our course ; 

While the merry gnomes below veil their treasures with the snow. 
Where golden veins wind round their mountain source. 



XXIL 



Again the radiant sun blazes o'er the waste amain. 

And the breeze, as though impelled by Afrite's power, 

Blows the desert dust in clouds o'er the wild, uncanny plain, 
Where rugged hills in sullen masses tower. 

XXIIL 

The crimson streamers gleam, as the cla}^ fades like a dream, 
And night's dark shadows dim the twilight's peace ; 

Then comes a coolinar air from the Western ree-ions fair : 
There grand Sierras rise, and deserts cease. 

14 



THE JOURNEY. 



XXIV. 



With the early steps of day, by an endless, covered way. 

O'er high Sierra's forest slope we go ; 
Through countless rifts, the light flames like rockets in the night, 

And mornino; beams illume the shining snow. 



XXV. 

Have the Titans reared this ledge ? and have fairies set that hedge 

Amid the Ice King's realms of endless cold ? 
Look adown this fearful steep ! where the rapid torrents leap, 

Bearing on to distant valleys flakes of gold. 



XXVI. 



How sublime the verdant scene ! as we glide the groves between. 
Hovering o'er the deep abyss that yawns below : 

Then, beside the wondrous mines, on we rush through lofty pines 
Down the dizzy steeps to westward slopes aglow. 

15 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



XXVII. 



Sacramento's waving sheaves, where the fig-tree's sombre leaves 

Amid tlie oak-trees catch the passer's eye, 
With fertile fields and plains, all declare, that Freedom reigns 

Beneath the snowy 2:)eaks that clond the sky. 

XXVIII. 

Like the vastness of the deep, the wheat-fields' ripening sweep 
Stretches wide, as rippling breezes bow the grain ; 

While the statel}" live-oaks rise, waving greetings from the skies. 
Where whirling sails draw moisture to the |)lain. 



XXIX. 



By foaming rivers wide,— for the snows have swelled their tide ; 

Across the Coast Sierra's monntain-way ; 
We scent the ocean breeze from the ever-nearing seas : 

A world of fairy lights gleams o'er the bay ! 

16 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



CALIFORNIA. 



Beneath a mountain's towering steep 

A mighty ocean rolls, 
Awakening, with the boundless sweep 
And echoing thunders of its deep, 

Strange visions in our souls. 



IL 



The great sea-lions sportive play 

Amid the eddying foam ; 
With bellowing roar they cleave the spray. 
Or bask in sunshine all the day 

Around their rocky home. 



17 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 
III. 

'T is not tlie dark Atlantic's wave 

That crests the craggy shore, 
"Where giant breakers foaming rave, 
And naught von haj^less bark could save 
Amid their awful roar. 

IV. 

Is this the sea for calmness famed, 

Pacific's tranquil main ? 
These glorious waves were never tamed, 
And falsely is the ocean named 

That breasts yon sandy plain ! 



But awful grandeur all is thine, 

Majestic, Western sea ! 
Whose whitening breakers frost the brine 
In rolling sweep and endless line 

Of wild sublimity ! 

18 



CALIFORNIA. 



VI. 



Then hail, as sinks the sun to rest, 

A valley, grand and wild, 
Where Nature seems to strive her best 
To crown the fair Pacific West, 

As though her favorite child ! 

yii. 

Yosemite in splendor sleeps. 

With leafy groves and bowers ; 
While, from the lofty, rocky steeps, 
The cataracts, in mighty leaps, 
Sweep down to vales of flowers. 

VIIL 

'T is Eden given back to Earth, 

In beauty all its own ! 
Too fair for aught of mortal birth ; 
Too solemn for a mortal's mirth ; 

The gem of our fair zone ! 

19 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 
IX. 

Its towering cliffs and verdant meads 

Are domed by azure skies, 
That smile as though Arcadian reeds 
Were piped around, and warlike deeds 

Had ne'er sought valor's prize. 



The rocky shaft El Capitan 

Shoots up beside the vale 
In startling grandeur ; daring man 
To climb where never mortal can, 

And braving every gale ! 

XL 

The waving spray, from falls too high 

For aught but eagles' flight. 
Sends misty showers, as from the sky, 
While rainbow-tints in radiance vie 
Beneath yon lofty height. 

20 



CALIFORNIA. 



XII. 



Sublimity of rock and fall, 
With towering, granite peaks 

Enchased in bowers and forests tall ; 

Fair valley, 't is enchantment all 
That from thy beauty speaks ! 

XIII. 

Colossal columns mount supreme. 

As though the Genii's might 
Had reared a temple ; that would seem 
A wonderful, immortal dream 
Of brilliant realms of light ! 

XIV. 

Here, Titan brothers three arise, 
In crests of diamond form ; 

There, swift as meteor from the skies, 

A cataract, in silvery guise. 
Resounds like coming storm. 

21 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 

XY. 

Tliesc massive crags wci'c rent, pt'rfliaucc, 

By iiorcc, \'olcaiiic lires, 
111 ciii'ly years ot" Time's advance, 
'I'ill IIciiNTirs frosts and sunheam-glance 

lla\'e sliiiped catliedrni spires. 

XVI. 

Yon domes of u'ranit(\ parted now, 

A solrnni, stateh' \k\\\\ 
M;iy once lia\'e IoucIumI, \vitli lordly brow, 
AVliere glades extend witli \erdant bongli, 

Kissed by the summer air. 

XVIT. 

'Idle niountiiins watrli the clear IMereed, 

'^Jdiat mirrors glories rare, 
As, hl'tiiig high eacli sovereign head, 
These rocky marveh^ rise to wed 

Tlie tein[)t>st in its hiir I 



CALIFORNIA. 



XVIII. 



But clim1), by yoiidei- sister falls, 

To dizzy crests of snow, 
Where all tliat tranquil souls a})}ials 
Sublimely reigns, in Terror's balls, 

AVliile danger lurks below! 

XIX. 

In mighty curves, the snowy peaks 
Sweep round our vantage place ; 
"Where, throned on clouds in stormy weeks, 
The rolling thunder threatening speaks 
When Nature veils her face. 

XX. 

From heiglits like these, defying time. 
And crowned witli frosty wreath, 

That valley grand, of genial clime, 

A chasm seems in crags sublime, 
Whose domes rise far l)eneath. 

23 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 
XXI. 

O grand Sierra ! Alpine crests, 

And wondrous vales below, 
Are what fair Nature's pilgrim guests, 
Witli beating hearts and heaving breasts, 

Behold amid thy snow ! 

XXII. 

That deep, precipitous abyss, 

With waving forests clad. 
Leads down to fairy bowers of bliss. 
More beauteous, far, than scenes like this, 

Where Nature scarce seems glad ! 

XXIII. 

The Merced leaps, with thundering roar 

And clouds of dazzling spray. 
By Broderick's summit, bleak and hoar: 
Then dashes o'er yon rocky floor 
To blooming vales away ; 

24 



CALIFOKNIA. 



XXIV. 



Till, rainbow -wreathed, the river falls 

A sheet of sparkling foam, 
In glorious plunge from rgcky walls. 
While every mighty cliff recalls 

Her rapids' mountain home. 

XXV. 

But with a gentler flow she pours 

Amid the oak-trees green. 
Where many a pine majestic soars. 
As if 't would rise to Heavenly doors. 

The stately groves between. 

XXVI. 

Then turn we to thy lovely glades, 

Yosemite, the fair ! 
Whose glossy foliage never fades, 
Though storms may sweep from mountain shades. 

And floods may cloud the air. 

25 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 

XXVII. 

O awful summits, rising liigli 
From (Kit tins charming scene 

In giant grandeur toward the sky ! 

Your massive, Alpine majesty 
Is of celestial mien ! 

XXVIII. 

Like seraph guards, your glittering walls 

Surround this wondrous vale, 
111 stately towers and caverned halls, 
And rocks that, 'mid the water-falls, 
Seem crests and coats of mail ! 

XXIX. 

Majestic guardians, vast and grand ! 

Your })ano|)lied array 
Protects a wild, mj^sterious land, 
Where verdure decks the glistening sand, 

And rushing rivers play. 

26 



CALIFORNIA. 



XXX. 



Sublimity and beauty fair 

Were never so combined, 
Since first the ambient, summer air, 
In Eden, fanned the primal pair. 

For Paradise designed ! ■ 

XXXI. 

Through stately groves of towering pines ; 

By canons, deep and green ; 
O'er dreary plains — at length the signs 
Of delving deep for golden mines 

'Mid rugged rocks are seen. 

XXXII. 

What powers have rent the earth in twain? 

What fissures scar the ground ! 
Misshapen rocks deform the plain, 
As though the enchantress Circe's reign 

Had modern victims found ! 

27 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 
XXXIII. 

Bat yonder towers a mighty grove 

Of forest columns liigh, 
Where giants might delight to rove, 
Or find, if with great Jove they strove. 

Brave arms to dare the sky ! 

XXXIV. 

Along a purling streamlet's course, 

Between encircling hills, 
These wondrous trees have braved the force 
Of Time, whose stroke, without remorse. 

Their stateliest rival kills. 

XXXV. 

Majestic monarchs of the soil. 

Of matchless height and girth ! 
As^iiring man's unceasing toil 
The centuries have learned to foil, 

While still ye grace the eartli ! 

28 



CALIFORNIA. 



XXXVI. 



In stalwart hundreds grouped, ye stand, 

Witli lordly bough and limb ; 
As yet preserved from ruffian hand, 
Like Lebanon's fair cedars grand, 
Ye breathe a silent hymn ! 

XXXVII. 

While loftier than the carven spire 
Your shafts mount up in power, 
With densest bark, scarce touched by fire 
Ye stand the oldest living choir 

That greets this gracious hour ! 

XXXVIII. 

Now view the bright, imposing scene. 

So near the Golden Gate, 
Where California's Ocean Queen 
Superbly reigns, with haughty mien. 

And knows no fear of Fate ! 

29 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 
XXXIX. 

The treasures of the East and West 

Adorn tlie princely town ; 
Where generous feeling rules the best, 
And cooling breezes soothe to rest 

The sharpest cynic's frown. 

XL. 

The mighty bay, wdiere fleets ma}^ ride. 

With countless masts, secure. 
Admits the vast Pacific's tide 
Through mountain portals, deep and wide, 

By frowning guns made sure. 

XLL 

Beyond the wondrous Golden Gate 

Are vales of softer skies : 
There Tamalpai's rears in state 
Its rocky crest, while gales abate 

Their sweep, and ze})h3'rs rise. 

30 



CALIFORNIA. 



XLII. 



San Eafael's clustering villas lie 

Amid the circling hills, 
Where ranches reach the mountains high, 
While over all, in majesty, 

Yon cone the fancy fills. 

XLIII. 

A watch-tower of the skies it seems, 

A royal signal height, 
To catch the morning's earliest beams. 
And send them to the dancing streams. 

That hail the dawning light ! 

XLIV. 

The groves on its volcanic side, 

Like velvet's softest pile. 
In emerald verdure, serve to hide 
Where once has flowed the fiery tide, 

Perchance, for many a mile. 

31 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 
XLV. 

Tlien float across the noble bay 

To San Francisco's lieights ; 
Where Chinese costumes, qnaint and gay, 
As though in Prince Aladdin's day, 

Recall Arabian Nights. 

XLVI. 

Or view them on the mimic stage, 

Fantastic as a dream. 
While courts are held, and battles rage, 
And Emperors, of a by -gone age. 

By rebels vanquished seem. 

XLVII. 

Imperial Pacific shore, 

What glorious future thine ! 
Atlantic empires' priceless lore. 
With Chinese learning's ancient store, 

All crown thy work divine ! 

32 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



THE RETURN. 



To Sacramento's strong levees, 

The bulwark of her pride, 
We swiftly speed, where foaming seas 
Have madly dashed among the trees 

From yonder river's tide. 



11. 



Again the grand Sierras rise, 

As o'er the heights we glide ; 
Though soon will dark, tempestuous skies 
O'erwhelm the road in torrents' guise. 
Till havoc rages wide. 

33 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



III. 



Across tlie endless desert plain, 

We near the inland sea, 
AVliose islands sweep in monntain-ehain, 
Along tlie salt waves of its main, 

A stately compan}-. 

IV. 

The Mormon City stretches fair 

On plains beyond the lake, 
That, rising slow, may bid it share 
The fate Lot's city seemed to dare. 

If veno-eance shonld awake. 



From Utah lake, the Jordan clear. 

In fresh, delightfnl stream, 
Ponrs down to swell yon bitter mere. 
Whose lifeless waves are never drear. 
So brightly bine they seem. 

34 



THE RETURN. 
TI. 

The Wasatch Eange and Oquirrh Hills 

Surround the fertile fields, 
Where sparkle countless, merry rills. 
Whose current yonder city fills 

With trees her soil ne'er yields. 

VII. 

That range of snowy mountains grand. 

Magnificent in sweep. 
Is rich with mines, where Nature's hand 
Has hidden, in the rock and sand, 

Her silvery treasures deep. 

VIII. 

On frowning heights, the Federal guns 

Command the sullen town ; 
The white tents gleam ; as setting suns. 
Like molten gold that glittering runs, 

'Mid gorgeous clouds sink down. 

35 



THE OVERLAND JROUTE. 

IX. 

A meteor flaslies tlirough tlie air 
With emerald liglit and glow ; 
Now fading, now with dazzling glare, 
It gleams across the twilight fair 
By yonder peaks of snow. 



From smiling fields, and salt morass, 

We thread the canons steep, 
Then soon, o'er many a mountain pass 
And plains of sage, admire the grass 
Where deer may browse and leap. 

XL 

At wild Cheyenne, a swarthy band 

Of chieftains mount the train, 
To view their great White Father's land, 
And tread the far Atlantic strand 
In painted pomp, again. 

3G 



THE RETURN. 



XII. 



Missouri's current, dark and swift, 
Where down the mighty stream, 
By verdant bhiffs, with busy thrift. 
The boats are swept in arrowy drift. 
Is soon a treasured dream. 

XIII. 

O'er Iowa's delightful meads, — 

What vision glances bright ? 
Great Mississippi grandly speeds 
'Mid fairy isles, nor, proudly, heeds 

The piers that brave its might. 

XIV. 

Through endless prairie corn-fields green, - 

A city looms afar, 
Arising with undaunted mien, 
Her miles of ruin all between, 

A radiant. Western star ! 

37 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 

XV. 

What groans of anguish echoed late, 

"When strong men, in despair. 
Beheld tlu^ jiride of earthly state, 
With all that made their city great, 
Flame in the tiery air! 

XVI. 

Then, domes and t(^wers, rocking slow, 
Wei'c wrapjied in seas of tire ; 

'JMieii, ec-hoed many a wail of woe. 

As hurricanes oi torrid glow 
O'erwlielmed the blazing spire. 

XVII. 

While ran a sympathetic thrill 

Of pity through the land 
For homeless thousands, mourning still 
The Fire King's imperious will. 

The world ne'er seemed so grand. 

38 



THE RETUKN". 



XVIII. 



How iK^bly other lands averred 
Their brotherhood the while, 
Till, winged again, the city stirred, 
Arising, like the wondrous bird. 
From out her funeral pile ! 

XIX. 

By Michigan's enchanting lake — 

A pure and glorious sea — 
We soon behold, while stars awake. 
The silver moon her pathway take 

In cloudless majesty : 

XX. 

We hail thy beauty, fairest Queen, 

And greet thy argent light 
That beams in tender, trembling sheen 
Along the waves, that glow between 
The steps of dreamy Night ! 

39 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 
XXI. 

Oil, when within the distant vale 

Whose splendors all sublime 
Sweet dreams of Paradise exhale, 
Conld we have viewed thy glories pale. 
Too raptured were the time ! 

XXII. 

The morning light invites our stay 

To roam the forest town. 
Where stretch the brilliant villas gay 
Through many a lovely, elm-grown way,- 

Lake Erie's verdant crown. 

XXIII. 

While soon the festal course is gained 

Where pant the rapid steeds. 
By skilful training, deftly reined 
Beyond Apollo's horses — feigned 

To tread celestial meads. 

40 



THE KETURN. 



XXIV. 



The lake, that Perry's valor gave 

A fame bej^ond its own, 
All tranquil sleeps, though 3'OncIer wave 
Of silvery peace ere long may brave 

Niagara's proud throne. 

XXV. 

Farew^ell, ye mighty lakes sublime ! 

Your waters seaward roll, 
And thither becks the hand of Time, 
Our ma2:ic steed must seek the clime 

Where smiles a cherished goal ! 

XXVI. 

We welcome thee, imperial State ! 

Thy grandeur gilds the town 
Where Genesee, by cruel fate, 
No longer floods her rocky gate, 

Nor, foaming, plunges down. 

41 



THE OVERLAND ROUTE. 



XXVII. 



While evening sliadows watcli our course 

To Hudson's lordly flow, 
On fiery wings, tlie iron horse. 
With speed as of enchanted force, 

O'er fertile plains shall go : 

XXVIII. 

Till early day adorns its reign. 

And brings the welcome breeze, 
That, sweeping from the Atlantic's main. 
Shall whisper : Home is near again, 
Manhattan by the seas ! 



42 



THE UNDINE. 



An Undine sigliecl in lier grot of shell, 
And tear-drops from her bright eyes fell 
" Alas ! " she cried, " no sympathy 
Endears the creatures of the sea ; 

Too cold our chilly blood 
Pours its pallid stream along ; 
Loving friends to earth belong, 

Unknown beneath our flood ! 

43 



THE UNDINE. 



II. 



"I weary of gems and jewels rare, 
And ceaseless pastime brings but care : 
Slowly beats an Undine's heart, 
Dead to love's bewitcliino; art : 

Yet why glows my cheek ? 
Why this pleasing, strange distress ? 
Love may not an Undine bless, 

Born in caverns bleak ! " 



III. 

Sang the Undine 'neath the tide : 
" Would I were a mortal's bride ! 
Dwelling near some lovelj^ lake ; 
Sporting in the tangled brake ; 

Free to cherish love : 
Crowns of pearls I 'd cast away ; 
Happy, leave the rainbow's play. 

Meek as mating dove ! " 

44 



THE UXDINE. 



IV. 



All innocent of mortal guile 
She sang, and struck lier liarp the while. 
Widely echoed words like these, 
Borne abroad by listening seas, 

Heard with proud disdain. 
Roused her sisters' haughty pride : 
" Leave," they cried, "our tranquil tide? 

Leave thy native main ? 



" Sister, rove with us the deep ; 
Rouse the dolphin from his sleep ! 
What is love ? and what is man ? 
Haste, forget ihj foolish plan ! 

AVhat to us is earth ? 
Dwelt the Undines here ere land 
Raised its head, or yet the strand 
Bound the ocean's o'irth ! " 



45 



THE UNDINE. 



VI. 



The Undine floated o'er the sea, 
ITar])ing sweetest minstrelsy ; 
Sailors listened to her song 
As she drew their bark along, 

Playing merrily 
Kound the prow and bulwarks brave, 
Foamino; in the swellino; wave 

On the vessel's lee. 

VII. 

Her golden locks were wreathed with spray, 
And, won by her enchanting lay, 
A crowd of finny creatures came ; 
The shark, whom only she could tame. 

Swam gently by her side : 
The fishes love the fair Undine, 
And will obey no other queen. 

For music rules the tide. 



46 



THE UNDINE. 



VIII. 



A fisher-bark came sweeping by ; 
The Undine heaved a piteous sigh ; 
And when she saw the crew prepare 
Their fatal nets with cruel care, 

She struck her harp again ; 
Oh ! wildly swelled the warning song 
"Ye fishers, do the fish no wrong, 

Or bid adieu to men ! " 



IX. 

The greedy nets are spreading free. 

And drink the briny, rolling sea ; 

But, charging fierce in loyal ranks. 

The swordfish thrust through oaken planks ; 

The whale, with furious sweep. 
Attacks the vessel's laboring keel : 
The timbers crack ; the top-masts reel ; — 

She founders in the deep ! 

47 



THE UNDINE. 



X. 



A wail is liearcl from yonder shore, 
Where widowed wives, a saddened score. 
Lament the fisher-bark in vain ; 
Their sorrow gave the Undine pain : 
" Too cold am I ! " she cried, 
"I thonght of my poor fish, alone, 
And heeded not the swimmer's groan 
Who perished in the tide ! 



XL 



"Amid the breakers will I dwell, 
And warn the sailor, by the swell 
Of music rare, and echoes sweet, 
That every note shall soft re23eat, 

To fly f]-om dangers hid ; 
Then sweet shall be my balmy rest, 
Pillowed upon the Ocean's breast, 

While sea-birds heed my bid ! " 



THE UNDINE. 



XII. 



When breakers roar, and raves the blast, 
The sailor, on the giddy mast, 
Has often heard a cadence wild, 
With words of warning, soft and mild, 

To steer a safer course : 
The Undine, singing, becks away. 
And leads, bj dolphins' winning play. 

From tempests howling hoarse. 



49 



LADY GEACE'S BRIDAL. 



A castle beams in the ruddy light 
Of a thousand torches' blaze ; 

The moon looks calmly on the night, 

Though warriors soon will rush to fight, 

In festive mantles gail}" flight, 

And filled with stranore amaze. 



II. 



A lady's bower is j^onder tower, 

Where knotted rope is seen 
To waye in the kiss of the eyening breeze, 
That shakes the vines on a sculptured frieze ; 
It hangs from a window hid by trees. 

But gleams in Dian's sheen. 



50 



LADY GRACES BRIDAL. 
IIL 

In raftered hall, where feasted all, 
There gathered many a dame 

In gay attire. A bridal scene ! 

See Lady Grrace, in beauty, lean 

On a husband's arm, of princely mien 
And proud, ancestral name ! 



IV. 



At maiden's call, she left the hall ; 

A dizziness, 't was said. 
Had seized her as the priest said grace : 
She whispered, with a blushing face, 
'T would soon be past ; with modest pace 

Then left the table's head. 



51 



LADY GRACES BRIDAL. 



The baron smiled, jet blamed his child, 
While guests in glistening mail 

Laughed at the lady's whim. The maid 

Had only felt o'ercome, he said ; 

Perhaps, in bridal robes arrayed, 
She felt her courao-e fail. 



VL 



"Albert,'' he cried, "go, seek thy bride ! " 
And urged the noble youth, 
Who quickly left the stately room 
For lady's bower, although a gloom, 
The mystic work of fancy's loom, 

O'erspread his thoughts in sooth. 



53 



LADY GRACES BRIDAL. 
VIL 

'T was strange to grieve on bridal eve, 

When not a shade should rise 
To dim his joyous dreams, but still 
He felt a strange and j)iercing chill 
Run through his gallant breast, until 
He paused in mute surprise. 



VIIL 

Beyond the stair, an alcove fair 
Was lighted from a sconce ; 
And, near the window. Lady Grace, 
With blushes on her lovely face. 
Addressed a j^outh of noble race. 
Who knelt there for the nonce. 



53 



LADY GRACE S BRIDAL. 



IX. 



With nodding crest, in leathern vest 

And cliain-mail armor clad, 
The handsome knight besought the bride 
To leave her home, with all beside, 
And venture o'er the distant tide. 
She whispered chidings sad : 



' For weal or woe, an hour ago. 
My troth I gave another ; 
Hadst thou but come yestreen, I might 
Have haj)py been, but now, this night, 
It is too late : haste, take to flight ! 
I dare not grieve my mother ; 



54 



LADY GEACES BRIDAL. 



XL 



I sliould not pause, she'll learn the cause 

Of my strange absence ; fly I 
E'en while I live, I'll ne'er forget 
Our youthful love ; ah, stay ! but jet 
I should forget that we have met : 
Farewell, till worlds on high !— -" 



XIL 

At Albert's tread, her visions fled ; 

" Stay, villain ! " fierce he breathed. 
The lady shrieks, a strife begins ; 
Alas for her ! whoever wins ! 
The cry, the clash of arms, soon thins 
The hall so gaily wreathed. 



55 



LADY GRACES BRIDAL. 



XIIL 



From festive din tlie guests rush in ; 

The stranger knight is seized ; 
But, ere that moment, on the floor 
Young Albert hes in purple gore, 
That proves the sword has pierced him sore. 

His wrath all unappeased. 



XIV. 

The baron orders faithful thralls 
To bear the caitiff knight 

To some low dungeon, fettered well ; 

But, ere they lead him to the cell. 

The daring stranger shouts to tell 
His men-at-arms to fight. 



56 



LADY GEACE S BRIDAL. 
XV. 

The moonbeams gleam on many a pine, 

That shades the terrace high ; 
They glitter now on shining mail 
Of comrade warriors: "Haste, assail," 
They answering cr}^, " the outer pale ! 
The castle's weakness try ! " 



XVL 

With war's alarms, the men-at-arms 

Attack the barbacan ; 
The baron heads the garrison ; 
With shout and groan the tight rolls on 
The half-defended wall is won. 

By many a gallant man. 



57 



LADY GRACES BRIDAL. 
XVIL 

But, eacli that dares tlie massive stairs, 

A certain death awaits: 
The grim old baron loves a fra)^ ; 
Like sweep of avalanche his way. 
When yonder foemen first essay 

To seize the inner cjates. 



XVIIL 



Through combats fierce they onward })ierce, 

Outnumbered, then retire; 
When darksome mists the archway shroud, 
They pause ; and soon a murky cloud 
Of vapor warns the baron pr()ud 

His castle is on fire ! 



58 



LADY GEACES BEIDAL. 



XIX. 



For liauglitiest mien an awful scene ! 

The fire spreads tlie wliile : 
Its dangers calm tlie baron's pride ; 
For Lady Grace, the lovely bride, 
Still prays in grief by Albert's side, 

Within the ancient pile. 



XX. 



A prize untold of treasured gold 
He'll give to save her now ; 

A score, at least, the venture try ; 

'T is useless. Must that fair one die 

'Mid flames and smoke? A sudden cry 
Of "Rescue!" smooths his brow. 



59 



LADY GRACES BRIDAL. 
XXI. 

The knotted rope now proffers hope, 
For, sh^wly down its strands. 

The hardy knight with ease descends ; 

While all his utmost care he lends 

To guard the lovely bride, he tends. 
From danger, ere she lands. 



XXIL 

The tower's base reach friends apace, 
And soon the pallid bride. 

In terror, seeks her father's arms ; 

But, while he soothes her wild alarms, 

He asks for Albert, while she charms 
With tears his haughty pride. 



60 



LADY GRACE S BRIDAL. 



XXIIL 



"Close to iny side joiing All)ert died! " 

She sobbed in accents low : 
" I would not leave liim, but lie's dead ; 
His l^lood is on my guilty bead ; 
A cloistered life must now be led 
By her who caused this woe ! " 



XXIV. 

Soft peal the bells o'er lonely cells 

In yonder abbej^ gi'^J • 
This morn a maid, of beauty rare, 
Has left the world with all its care, 
If matin chimes and cloister air 
May soothe her griefs away. 



61 



LADY GRACES BRIDAL. 
XXV. 

A saintly face had Ladv Grace; 

And when she died, 't is said, 
A wreath of roses was each day. 
By stranger hands, placed o'er her elay; 
The nuns at vespers ever pray 

Their lives like hers be sped. 



62 



THE STORM KING. 



The Storm King rose from bis northern lair, 
Shaking the rime from his frosty hair; 
In wratluhe cried: "To the South I'll go, 
And shroud the world in a robe of snow!" 



II. 



His mistj form, like an iceberg's shaft, 
Gleams o'er the drifting, glacial raft, 
While Northern Lights flame round his eyes. 
And whirlwinds at his tread arise ! 

63 



THE STOKM KING. 



III. 



The Nortli ^\^i)i(l roared in his Arctic home 
' I'll follow tlicc, nionarcli, across tlie foam, 
Where many a laden argosy 
Will rue the hour it met with me ! " 



IV. 



The Storm King spread his })inions wide, 
And bore the North Wind at his side ; 
The forests groaned as the gale flew b}^. 
Sweeping the branches toward the sky ! 



The rivers foamed with a maddening glee, 
And shoreward dashed a stormy sea. 
Lashing the beach and tlie rocky strand, 
Surging to whelm the hated land ! 

64 



THE STORM KING. 



VI. 



Billow on billow mounts on liigh, 
Till foaming crests to bubbles fly ; 
Wildly tliey struggle, with angry roar : 
'T is useless strife with the rugged shore ! 



VII. 



The Storm King cried: "I'll onward sweep 
O'er yonder wide and sullen deep ; 
My lordly sway has taught the wave, 
In stormy winds, to foam and rave ! " 

VIII. 

The North Wind blew o'er a noble fleet, 
As it lay at rest, on the glassy sheet 
Of a sheltered haven: " Come," he cried, 
" I'll prove yon ships against the tide ! " 

65 



THE STORM KING. 



IX. 



Sudden and sharp was his icy breath ;- 
The mariners sleep the sleep of death ; 
The gallant fleet, that morn so gay, 
Has foundered in the treacherous bay ! 



Onward the terrible j^air proceed ; 
They deem yon wreck a glorious deed ; 
And now, with a storm of heaviest rain, 
They dash o'er tlie dark and troubled main ! 



XL 



The thunder peals o'er the vasty deep, 
Aroused from its transient, quiet sleep ; 
And lightning's flash shows many a bark 
Laboring hard in the tempest dark ! 

66 



THE STORM KING. 



XII. 



The ocean roars in the mighty blast, 
As the mariner clings to his tottering mast 
But morning's sun will show the sea 
Alone in its immensity 1 



XIII. 



Across the foam the Storm King blows 
A blast that tells of tlie northern snows ; 
And, driving the tide with a mighty roar, 
They sweep in wrath to the distant shore ! 



XIV. 



The North Wind breathed o'er the banks of cloud, 
And chilled the drops that his pinions ploughed ; 
The sparkling flakes and rattling hail 
Increase the awe of the rising gale I 

67 



THE STORM KING. 



XV. 



With roar and ci-asli the North Wind flies ; 
The Storm King looks with wrathful ejes ; 
And, when his slave has wreaked his worst, 
He joins the turmoil as at first ! 



XVI. 



The storm will leave poor wives to weep 
The loss of their all on the briny deep ; 
While young and old, of every age. 
Will mourn, in vain, the tempest's rage ! 



XVII. 



Howe'er proud man may spread his sway, 
The Storm King rules the winds to-day, 
As when, at Creation's dawn, he rose 
To war with the sea and land, his foes ! 



68 



IDYLS OF NIAGARA. 



THE CAVE OF THE WINDS. 



As my footstep gains yon portal, swells within me the immortal ! 

Earth's glories pale, Niagara ! when we would thread thy foam : 
Surging down with roar and quiver, comes the awful, thundering river, 

As through the veil of spray we glide, and tread the Wind King's dome. 



II. 



With a hush of expectation, in a glow of contemplation. 

Enwrapped in foaming, stormy mists, we reach the cliff beyond ; 

While caverned rocks behind us would, with solemn groan, remind us 
We covenant with Danger, would we burst her iron bond. 

69 



IDYLS OF NIAGARA, 



III. 



See a land of wonder open ! as the cliarm of storm is broken, 
Wliere rainbows gleam in beantj, deep in Natnre's mystic slirine 

While the circling tints, nniting, paint Apocalyptic writing. 
Till bright-winged seraphs greet us in a presence so divine ! 



IV. 



For rapt, entranced, with gazing at the sunliglit brightly blazing 
On tlie awful, shadowy whiteness of the grand, majestic fall ; 

On radiant wings victorious, float the visions ever glorious. 

Till shines the great, white throne of Him who reigns in starry hall 



While the emerald rainbow gleaming, as it quivers in its beaming. 
Circles round yon snowy emblem of the throne in Patmos seen. 

Till the elders' voices reach us, and their holy accents teach us 
To cast our crowns before the throne, with faith's adoring mien ! 



70 



IDYLS OF NIAGARA. 



A VIEW FROM THE "MAID OF THE MIST." 



Beneath an arch of gleaming tints that spans a rushing tide, 
Our struggling bark draws near a scene of whirlpools eddying wide ; 
Where roaring waters foaming meet, that late, an emerald surge, 
Swept grandly in a storm-girt flood, o'er yonder time-worn verge. 



II. 



The sunbeams glow, where, 'mid the spray, the hastening rapids dash ; 
While winds in torment raving sweep, witli more than Furies' lash ; 
The fatal Maelstrom never raged with such stupendous might. 
As where the gale-swept, whirling foam brings Chaos back, and Night ! 

71 



IDYLS OF NIAGARA. 



III. 



The fall, where circling rainbows meet, sends up a miglity sound ; 
While yonder glorious Horseshoe curve of waters shakes the ground 
But, floating on a stormy wave between their thunder-peals. 
The cresting, deep, eternal surge its grandest power reveals. 



IV. 



Commingling seas hurl cataracts, that claim a blended name. 
Transcending all the falls on earth, in grandeur as in fame : 
The ocean seems to crest a verge, supreme in curving sweep. 
Whose thunders share the majesty that crowns the conquering deep 



From altar-cliffs, the mist, like smoke of sacrifice and prayer, 
Wafts up, as Nature's psean wakes the floods and ambient air ; 
The tinted bow of promise floats on wings of cloudy spray. 
And wondrous anthems seem to bring the Heavens near to-day ! 

72 



IDYLS OF NIAGARA. 



THE LUNAR RAINBOW. 



The dreamy inooiiliglit lingers on Niagara's pale slieen; 
While strange, fantastic sliadows troop, the flood-worn cliffs between, 
Where, weirdlj^ rising through the spra}^, a fairy arch of light, 
With ghostl}^ gleams of color, springs, — a vision wondrous bright ! 



IL 



A bow of purest silver, tinged with iridescent dyes. 

Or like the magic scimitar a paladin would prize, 

It gleams as though 't were brandished, by the startled Queen of Night, 

To dare the rushing cataract, while foaming in its might ! 

73 



ID^'I.S OF NIAGARA. 



III. 



The spray moimts n]) to waft it in a leap from shore to shore, 
Wliile, through tlic slia(h)wy portal, comes a diapason roar, 
]\Iaj(>stica,l in ciuloiice, loo sublime for mortal speech. 
That breathes the uiiglity mystery these awful surges teach ! 



IV. 



It thrills ill juoiinirul music to the soul that listens well: 
"For ever, and for ever!" seems from out tlie surge to swell. 
As yon abyss of tempest-mist receives the thundering wave, 
AVhile, o'er the rivei', stormy gusts amid the foam-clouds rave 



The pluinloms" lioui' of might draws near; the Storm King mounts on high; 
And slowly fades tlu^ luoonlight from the dark, temj)estuous sky: 
The mystic, arch is gone, and hark ! the river's thunder tone 
Invokes the lightniiiLis, till thev vie in u'randeurs of their own ! 



TITE CLOCK ^J^OAVER, VENICE, 

IN 185G. 



Ye Giants, ever tluuidcrint;- fortli tlie lioiir witli measured claiio- ! 

IIow providlv once yonr answering sti'okes llircnigli yon piazza rang, 

AVluMi (lark, mysterious Venice IiusIkkI licr citizens to sleep, 

And bade tliem rest, for cliosen ones the Doge's wateli \v(juld keep! 

Tlic moonlight played o'er hi'oad canals, reflecting lofty towers, 

Where nobles re\elled joyously through midnight's darkest hours: 

Wliat i-ecked they if a comrade's face were blotted out from men? 

The dark canal received the fool that braved the noble Ten ! 

Yet strike, ye brazen Giants! though tlie Doge's sway be past. 

And Austrian standards wave, alas ! from each imj)eria,l mast. 

Ye call up dreams of olden times, while figures, strange; and cpiaint, 

Move by, as yondei- puppets bow before their carven saint. 

I sec the ancient city when she ruled the ojjen seas! 

But though her ilag brought wealth where'er it met the genial breeze, 

75 



THE CLOCK TOWER, VEXICE. 

And Venice glowed in splendor, jet lier empire o'er the sea 

Was not enjoyed l)y citizens tliat loved true liberty. 

Ye shades of ancient heroes who adorned this mighty town ! 

Come back to earth, and tell us,- — though your lives ye oft laid down 

When Venice bade ye battle, — did not Carthaginian pride 

Eeign fiercely in the bosom of the Adriatic's bride? 

It is a jealous sway when men refrain from honest speech; 

It was not freedom when the sword hung o'er the head of each ; 

The })roud Venetians kissed the rod, and deemed such rule the best, 

Bnt liberty they scarcely knew, or never deigned to test. 

Eing out, thou clanging bell, aj'e, peal! but ring for better days, 

When Venice, taught b}' tyranny, may sound true freedom's praise! 

St. Mark's is glowing in the calm and pallid, silvery light, 
Thrown wude in sparkling torrents from the radiant orb of night : 
An Eastern tale in marble is that hoary, ancient pile. 
Where Barbarossa bowled his neck, o'ercome by papal wile. 
A shadowy, gay procession sweeps along the open scpiare, — 
The Emperor comes to Venice, with a penitential air; 
That mighty Barbarossa fears yon })riest's bejewelled cope, 

76 



THE CLOCK TOWER, VEX ICE. 

And must atone for injuries to Rome's imperious Pope; 

The Empire kneels before tlie Clinrcli, and Alexander dares 

To place liis foot upon the neck of one of CiBsar's heirs ! 

The shadows fade, while o'er the bay come morning's earliest beams, 

But dajliglit, here in Yenice, cannot break the spell of dreams; 

A long day-dream it is to roam through mouldering marble piles. 

And hear the gondolier's slow plash awake the silent isles: 

The dark canals, the lofty towers and temples, thickly strewn, 

The dreams of wildest fantasy, slow mouldering in stone. 

The stillness of the watery streets, scarce broken by a sound. 

Impress the laden fancy so, its wings would touch the ground ! 

The Doge's Palace frowns beside St. Mark's majestic throne, — 
Yet doges were oft shadows, while as phantoms they have flown : 
The Giants' Staircase, and the spot where Faliero's head 
Polled down the marble steps, to join the armies of the dead, 
May draw a tear or passing sigh, at least the solemn thought, 
That vengeance, such as that he sought, were far too dearly bought ! 
St. Mark's winged lion still looks down from yonder column's height, 
A token of the proud Pepublic's ancient strength and might ; 

77 



THE CLOCK TOWER, VENICE. 

The Gaul restored his tropin', conquered Paris missed it not, 
While Venice feels that lion's sway can never be forgot ! 

O golden, dreamy Venice ! who would roam the world alone, 

AVhen old, historic friends seem beckoning from each sculptured stone ! 

The world drifts madlv l)y thee, j^et it cannot mar thy peace; 

While centuries roll back their gates, all cares and troubles cease. 

Mysterious City ! when we gaze on pinnacle and dome. 

And see thee rise, like Venus fair, from out the sparkling foam, 

A dreamy wonder fills the soul, and, floating o'er the waves. 

Thy distant chimes seem fairies' song, upborne from ocean caves ! 



AFTER THE WRECK. 



The whirlwind smote the gallant ship ; she sank beneath the waves ; 
The ocean roared in angry tones around the sailors' graves I 
A daring youth alone survived, to gain a dreary beach ; 
And thus lamented to the surge, as sorrow gave him speech : 



II. 



Awake bright day ! A lonely watch of agony I keep ! 
Wildly rave the billows ; sadly moans the deep : 
She, who slumbers by me on the dark and desert shore. 
Sleeps too soundly, breakers, to be wakened by your roar ! 



III. 



"Bright her golden ringlets glance in yonder dawning light ; 
But the pallid moon, that shone so weirdly in the night, 
Kissed her cheeks so coldly, that their rosy color fled : 
'Alice, wake ! Ah, nothing wakes the slumbers of the dead ! 



79 



AFTER THE WRECK. 



IV. 



" Seaweed garlands deck lier curls, the work of ocean nym})lis, 
Wronglit when, swejit from floating masts, she vanished at a glimpse ! 
Coldl}^ closed the waters round her fair, etliereal form, 
Far too fragile e'er to live through such a raging storm ! 



All are gone ! and I, alas ! survive the awful wreck ! 
Alice ! little thought we, when we paced the quiet deck, 
I should only, of our crew, in safety reach the land. 
And hold my darling in these arms, alone ujion the strand ! 

VI. 

"Break, proud day! I care not for thy brightest, golden beams; 
She is gone who ever reigned sole idol of my dreams ! 
Ocean, come! I hail tliy waves! the tide, now rising high. 
Will sweep me from the narrow strand ; — near Alice I shall die ! " 



80 



A PASTORAL. 



Pleasant groves and laugliiiig brof)kp ! 
Aye, ye cool and sliady nooks, 
Where the tront, in conntless numbers, 
Wake the watei-s from their slumbers ; 
Ye, I hail, when summer's sun 
Hath its burning- heat begun ; 
When the branches, drooping, quiver 
O'er the cool, refreshing river ; 
And the songster's merry trill 
Echoes from the silent mill. 
Where, upon the moss-grown wheel, 
Many happy pairs conceal 
Glossy eggs from curious ej^es, 
Lest some boy may make a prize 
Of the nest so neatly twined, 
Which their careful beaks liave lined 

81 



A PASTORAL. 

With the softest hair and down : 
Shame, that any country clown 
Should be found to spoil the labor 
Of his pretty, feathered neighbor ! 



See ! the stream, that once of old 
Turned the mill that brouoht the o-dd 
To the rich, old miller's pui'se, — 
Where it proved a speed}^ curse, — 
Now, released from wooden gloom, 
Foams above the moss-grown flume ; 
Blithely leaps adown the vale, 
Pausing here to fill a pail, 
Left by careful lass to cool 
In the deepest of the pool ; 
Hurrying now adown a steep, 
With a playful, merry leap ; 
Here, entangled in the willows, 
Foaming apes the ocean's billows. 

82 



A PASTORAL. 

MeiTj brook ! I love its glee, 
As it sparkles merrily 
In the sunbeam's scattered light, — 
Where it threads the leafy night, — 
Hailing here the golden day, 
As through meadows ripe for hay. 
Bursting from the shady grove, 
Where it loved so long to rove ; 
Laughing at the waving grass, 
That will hardly let it pass 
Ere it slyly steals a kiss, — 
On it hastes to yon abyss ; 
Boldly plunging down the height, 
Witli a wanton, gay delight ; 
Hiding with a silvery veil. 
Shaken by the passing gale, 
Every rugged, rocky feature. 
Like a merry, laughing creature ! 



83 



A PASTORAL. 

Lovely vales ! that fai- below 
Sparkle in the sunlight's glow, 
Greet this meny brook for me, 
As it hastens to the sea ; 
Fold your tender arms around it ; 
Keep it spotless as ye found it ! 
In yon dark and rapid river, 
All that sparkle, all that quiver, 
Will be lost amid the tide, 
As it chafes the vessel's side. 
Restless brook ! thy playful stream 
Tells the whole of life's long dream, 
As thou prattlest to the herds 
All the love-songs of the birds ; 
How they sang about the Spring, 
Or swept round on rapid wing, 
Skimming o'er thy brimming fount, 
On the distant, verdant mount. 
Now, a deep and crystal wave. 
Thou canst roll along the nave 

84 



A PASTORAL. 

Formed by arching trees above, 
Where the birds still whisper love ; 
But thv ripples, as they foam, 
Sigh for that sweet, mountain home. 



85 



LADY BELLE. 



Loud yelled the castle-liounds at morn, in early, warm September ; 

The drawbridge fell, and Lad}' Belle right gadantly rode out. 
That morning, all the liandet foUv, — who })itied lier, — remember, 

Recalling well her winning .sndle and pretty, dimpling pout. 
That stern Lord William's temper could not change, although lie vainly 

Essayed to bend the wilful girl, who mocked his angiy mien : 
Lord William she ne'er loved, nay, called him ugh' and ungainly, 

And all declared he suited not her beauty, that a (|ueen 
Might envy. She was lovely ! fair as early, l)lushing summer, 

When roses shed a fragrant gale of perfume on the air : 
Lord William, if at Christmas-tide he figured as a mummer, 

Would make the saddest mourner laugh, the sleepiest baron stare. 
Forth rode the lovely lad}', in the dew of early morning, 

T(^ hunt the stag ; she turned her steed towards a distant glade : 
The branches stooped to greet her, as the pallid light, then dawning, 

Shone weirdly on her beauty, till each early village maid, 

86 



LADY BELLE. 

Who met lier, almost shuddered as she coiirtesied to the lady, 

Whose alms outvied her beauty, — for she was a bounteous dame ; 
Aye, many an eye looked after, as the forest deep and shady 

Received the lovely woman, fully worthy of her name. 
Lady Belle, return ! Lord William, though you thought he slumbered soundly, 

Heard every voice this morning, as in yonder tower he lay ; 
O, venture not too rashly ! for he storms and curses roundly. 

And calls thee, gentle lady, all too wild, and far too gay. 
From yonder lofty turret he has watched thy groom's devotion. 

While by a secret postern-gate he leaves the castle now ; 
A courser there awaits him, he will mount without commotion, 

And follow every foot-print, with a shadow on his brow. 
Beware, thou gentle lady ! Rumor says — and some believe it — 

Yon handsome groom is gentle, and no stable-youth by birth : 
Lord William dreams he's Edgar, thy old love ; then wherefore leave it 

To Scandal's tongue, fair lady, to proclaim it o'er the earth ? 
Why must that groom be ever at thy bridle-rein when riding ? 

Dismiss him, gentle lady ! 't is a trial to be borne ; 
Though he tells sweet, forest legends, yet allow no room for chiding; 

'T were well he left thj palfrey's side, if only on this mom. 

87 



LADY BP:LLE. 

Nay, Lady Belle is wilful, and she loves to hear traditions 

Related by the handsome groom, that holds her bridle-rein ; 
But, while she stoops intently, all Lord William's dull suspicions 

Are fanned to flame ; he rides in jealous fury o'er the plain. 
Low howled the hounds at midnight, as a single cry of terror 

Disturbed the placid stillness of the calm September night ; 
A spotless lady, falsely charged by jealousy with error. 

Lies bleeding on the chapel floor, a woful, piteous sight ! 
The cross she clasps is reddened with her life-blood's crimson blushes, 
, And deep her ermine robe is stained with that uiitimel}' dye : 
Her maidens found the corse, at early morn, among the rushes, 

Where painted windows rain soft rays the secret to descry. 



THE WATER FAY. 



Far ill a cool and darksome ]^)ool, 

Of a quiet, mountain glen, 
A water faj^ contented lay, 

In a cataract's sprav : but when 
The rainbow gleamed on the waterfall, 

With its tinted arcli of lio-ht. 
And beamed on the lieavy, mossy pall 

That hid the spring from sight, 
The fay grew weary of the gloom. 

And longed to see the day, 
To view the sun, whose radiant loom 

Could weave such colors gay. 
She asked the breeze and the sparkling spray, 

What was there 'yond tlie vale. 
To wdiicli the gladsome orb of day 

Followed the eastern g-ale. 



89 



THE WATER FAY. 

Tlie meriy l)reeze, wdtli a })layful shake, 

Kemoved tlie mossy jjall, 
And showed, beside a distant hike, 

A castle vast and tall : 
"I often blow by the western tower, 

And see a youthful knight 
Look out and greet the sunset hour, 

Or morning's golden light. 
For years I've watched his slender form 

Expand to manhood's mien ; 
I fan liis brow, and in the storm 

Oft kiss his cheek, unseen." 



The fay, enra})tured, lists too well, 
For, when the breeze is gone. 

She fain would break the slender spell, 
That binds her, every morn. 

To sink beneath the bubbling spring. 
And bring a jewel up, 

90 



THE WATER FAY. 

To grace lier queen, as a beauteous ring, 

Or deck lier golden cup. 
She longs to view the distant tower 

Where dwells the youthful knight, 
And wearies of her mossy bower, 

To which the golden light 
Of early day can hardly reach, 

To tinge the quiet pool. 
The breeze has told of a pel)bly l)each. 

With grottoes deep and cool. 
Where many a sister fay is seen 

Amid the lauohins; waves ; 
Where Undines, clothed in seaweed green, 

Command obedient slaves 
To bring them pearls from the briny sea 

To deck their waving hair ; 
And })la3' in merry, sportive glee, 

Without a thought of care : 
" Oh would I were a fair Undine, 

And free to leave my spring, 

91 



THE WATER FAY. 



To deck 111}^ liair with the jewels rare 

From tlie watery depths I woukl bring ! " 



The cataract breathed in her listening ear: 
" Sweet fay, but follow me, 
I'll bear thee away, in my torrent's play. 

To the distant, deep, l)lue sea; 
We'll })lnnge o'er the dark and frowning rock 

To the lovely vale below : 
A fay can bear the sudden shock, 

Enwra}>}XMl in my silvery flow." 
" Farewell for aye, mv native grot ! " 

The fairy whispered low^ : 
" Farewell ! in future I shall not 

Know fear of ice or snow. 
My bul)bling spring, for aye adieu! 

Thy cool and pleasant well 
Must fade, forever, from mv view : 

Fair, jewelled de})ths, farewell ! '' 

92 



THE WATER P\1Y. 

The torrent twined its niistj arms 

Aronncl the timid fay ; 
She feels her grot has many charms, 

As now she glides away ; 
Yet how endure her haughty queen, 

Whose brilliant diadem 
Claims, for its now unrivalled sheen, 

Each new-discovered gem ! 
She fancies, then, the ocean sprites, 

And that fair, sparkling lake. 
Where she will rest for many nights. 

And see the water-snake 
Erect its glossy head on high 

Above the waters blue : 
She views the open, sunny skv. 

And feels the breeze said true. 



Enwra])ped in a misty veil of spray, 
They leaj) the lofty height, 

93 



THE WATER FAY. 

And float away with the torrent's play 

In the rainbow's varied light. 
ThroTigh man}^ a green and flowery mead, 

The river ponrs along ; 
The frightened fay can hardly heed 

The bird's melodious song ; 
Her sister sprites come flocking near 

To see the stranger fay, 
And wonder fr(~»m what distant mere 

She can have swum away ; 
They oft'er water-lilies bright, 

And gems of varied hue, 
But, till the fall be lost to sight, 

The fay must speed anew ; 
She dreads her queen's imperious wrath. 

And fears the tattling breeze 
May point her wild and dangerous path, 

Ere she has reached the seas. 
Amid the fairies of the lake 

She hopes for safety soon ; 

94 



THE WATER FAY. 

Already she can see them shake 
Their locks, as the rising moon 

With mellow radiance softly shines 
On the castle, grim and old, 

Enwrapped in countless, wanton vines, 
That veil its outlines bold. 



'T were a merry sight to watch the faj^s, 

As lovingly they play ; 
No mortal eye can ever gaze 

On revels half so gay ; 
The}^ chase the j^retty, sportive fish, 

Who know no thought of fright, 
For fairies in their pastimes wish 

The finny tribe no spite. 
They gather merrily to hail 

Their new com[)anion now, 
Eecall the rose to features pale. 

And kiss her wearv brow. 

95 



THE WATER FAY. 

Auon tliev lead her to a bower. 

Beneath the waters hlue, 
Adorned with many a Avater-flower, 

And radiant to the view. — 
With waterdilies crowned, tlieir queen 

Receives the timid sprite, 
Arraved in robes of deep sea-green, 

All sparkling in the light 
That tilters through the waterv ilome 

In bright, yet softened, rays; 
She bids the fairy Avelctuue home, 

And kindly then displays 
The thousand treasures of the waves, 

The heaps of gems untold. 
And pearls, for which a fairy braves 

The ocean deep and cold. 



" joyous life." the fay exclaimed, 
" To live beneath the sea, 

96 



THE WATER FAY. 

And view the secrets, all unnamed, 

Of ocean's majesty ; 
To sport amid the gay Undines, 

And throngh the coral caves ; 
To gaze on new and varied scenes 

Beneath the stormy waves ! " 
" O faj, beware ! " the monarch cries, 
" We fairies of the lake, 
Who scent the salt breeze as it flies. 

Can hardly undertake 
The journey to the deep sea grots. 

Where dwell the ocean fays ; 
The demons weave their wicked plots 

To tempt the unwary gaze ; 
They pile up lofty coral reefs 

To check our toilsome course. 
And, led by bold and daring chiefs, 

Use every known resource 
To check our progress ; yes, they dare 

To bring the cuttle-fish, 

97 



THE WATER FAY. 

And darken every wave, nor i^\)iirc. 

The Undines, if they wish 
To guide iis tlirough the watery niglit. 

Then fay, beware the sea ! 
But wherefore roam ? Nay, sta)^ thy fliglit ! 

And live in peace with me ; 
I'll guard thee from thy haughtv queen, 

She dares not venture here ; 
I care not for her angry mien. 

For she has learned to fear 
The gentle fairies of the lake, 

When roused by proud disdain : 
Then here thy home in future make, 

Nor seek the angry main." 



The fay is but too happy, now, 
To bend the hund)le knee, 

And vow allegiance, with a brow 
From every trouble free. 

> 98 



THE WATER FAY. 

Now, o'er the sparkling silver sheet, 

She sports in frolic wild ; 
The breeze comes laughing her to greet, 

Yet breathes, in accents mild : 
" Alas, thy lone, deserted well ! 

The water sighs for thee ; 
I hardly blow o'er the leafy dell, 

Its charms are gone for me. 
Yet here the castle Frowns above ; 

And see ! the yovitliful knight 
Looks out, and dreams of aught but love 

His pleasure is the fight ! 
O, win him to the quiet lake. 

By many a ripple's play ! 
He often will a ramble take 

To watch the fading day." 



A silvery shower of rippling pearls 
The fairy throws on high. 



THE WATER FAY, 

Anon, a misty wave she hurls 

Towards tlie evening sky ; 
The moonlieanis softly phay around 

The gently scattering spray, 
While, hear that wild melodious sound ! 

The love-song of the fay : 
'' O, wander to the pebbly beach, 

Thou gentle cavalier ! 
And let my loving accents reach 

Thy kind, attentive ear ; 
I'll l)ring thee pearls and perfumed flowers, 

The waterdilies rare 
I'll gather in our island bowers. 

To deck thy raven hair." 
" I hear the whispering of the breeze," 

The warrior, wondering, says, 
" How sweet it murmurs through the trees, 

Like some forgotten lays. 
The moon is bright, my skiff I'll take, 

And row a pleasant mile ; 

100 



THE WATER FAY. 

I have not crossed yon silvery lake 

This many a weary while." 
He leaves the shore, and guides his bark 

Towards a distant beach : 
Farewell, thon wanderer of the dark. 

That slu^re thoudt never reach ! 
By elfin arms, his slender skiH: 

Is dragged beneath the wave ; 
A stone u])on a neighboring cliti" 

Records his watery grave. 
From earth he's gone, but, 'neatli the lake, 

In long, enchanted sleep, 
Tlie fairies all their play forsake, 

A guard o'er him to keep ; 
The fay entwines her glistening arms 

Around his slumbering form, 
And kee])s him, by her magic charms. 

From tempest and from storm. 



101 



THE EXILE. 



O mournful, sighing, stormy wiud, blow far my grief from me ! 

And let me gentle solace iind, beside the moaning sea : 

In mighty chords, the ocean swells a harmony sublime, 

Tliat thrills like chime of Sablxith bells, in oui- f;iii-, distant clime; 

In ])laintive cadence come the sounds, as though the village s})ire 

Soared heavenward beyond these mounds, that gleam in sunset's fire ! 

The sea, that thunders on the shore it lashes with its spray, 

Still bears our country's navies, o'er the waves they proudly sway! — 

When heroes struck for Freedom's right, a gallant warrior band. 

Then tyranny revealed its might, and drove us from the land ! 

The flag we honored with our blood salutes tlie breeze to-day, 

As when we bore it o'er this flood, a tyrant's power to stay ! 



102 



THE EXILE. 

'Mid roar of battle's answering guns, we waved that flag on high 
Where valor l)ade earth's nol)lest sons, in glory's ranks, to die ! 

Freedom! spread thy wings, again, across the glorious land 

1 hail, from o'er the sounding main that sweeps its rock}^ strand ! 

I walk o'erwhelmed with i)atnot woe! and what can comfort hrino-? 
In vain, through joyous throngs I go, that float on Pleasure's wing : 
The noble land I }n"<^udly claim has brighter charms divine 
Than youth's enchanting dreams of fame with fairest hopes entwine. 
The whisper of the murmuring brook once filled my soul with joy, 
When, stretched in some familiar nook, I dreamed, a happy boy ! 
But now, I seek a grander scene, and hail the rolling sea ; 
Although, alas ! it sighs between my native land and me ! 



103 



OUR CAPTAIN'S ORDERS. 



Soldiers ! — The tniin])et sounds your orders 
To skirmish, prompt, caeli man prepare ! 

Right shoulder shift ! — See those marauders, 
That reconnoitre everywhere ! 



II. 



In grou])s of four, brave comrades, keep united 
Watch well, for horsemen hover round ! 

Pick off each man, till foes retreat affrighted ; 
If on they cliarge, stand, stand yonr ground ! 

104 



OUR CAPTAIN S ORDERS. 



III. 



Now, double quick ; apart by twenty paces, 
March on and gain yon vantage lieiglit ! 

Then halt and fire ! They come with eager faces ; 
But, vanquislied, soon will take to flight. 



IV. 



They gather fast, like clouds before the shower ; 

Assemble, quick, on strong reserve ! 
The trumpet sounds, for dangers round us lower ; 

They charge ! Eetreat ! Strain every nerve ! 



The ranks part wide ; rush in and take your stations ! 

On, on they come ; now fire again ! 
Hnzza, brave boys ! Aye, give them powder rations ! 

They break ! They fly ! We've cleared the plain ! 

105 



BUONAROTTI'S DOME. 



IIow light the imperious arches spring along the niightv nave, 

To where the lamps their lustre fling above St. Peter's grave ! 

lilncrnsted marbles lead the gaze from point to point to roam, 

Till mute we stand, in new amaze, beneath the awful dome: 

The soul that dreamed this arching grand, to rear that dome on high, 

Should lu^'er have sought its native land, but soared to yonder sky! — 

Now pace the aisles, while sunset flings its fading, mellow light, 

In scattering gold-dust, on the wings of doves and cherubs bright; 

Then aucw the ceiling, fretted o'er with massy weight of gold ; 

Or trace upon the marble llotn- the reccu'd there enrolled. 

That tells the stretch of kindred piles, all dwindling into naught 

Com})ared with these majestic aisles, — grand avenues of thought ! 

O Buonan)tti ! such as thou were born to show the world 

The stamp of God upon our brow ; and breathe the might, that hurled 

Yon sun and planets to their place, and reared the cloudy dome. 

By which thou — Titan of our race ! — didst shape thy work at Rome. 



106 



MIERORED CLOUDS. 



Far down in crystal caverns dwell tlie sprites that rule the river, 
But, on a summer day, when all is peaceful, calm and still, 

I trace their fairy structures, strange and weird, missliapen ever. 
Lying far beneath the shadow^s of the trees on yonder hill. 



11. 



Like stalactites drooping downward from some cavern roof, they glimmer 
In the scarcely noticed ripple of the calm, transparent stream ; 

Ever changing with the clouds, the elfin edifices shimmer 
Like strange, fantastic castles seen in some mysterious dream. 

107 



MIRROEED CLOUDS. 



III. 



Calmly floats the ciystal river o'er tlie pliantom, fairy towers, 
They vanish if we venture with too curious eyes to gaze ; 

Looming up anon they glitter, as the sun plays o'er the flowers, 
And elves come forth to frolic in the golden, misty haze. 



IV. 



Dreamy turrets, could we fathom to j^our magic caves of wonder, 
"What treasures would we not espy within their crystal halls ! 

But elves allow the world to see but clouds reflected under, 
And watery depths allow us not to venture to your walls. 



108 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 



MOSCOW, SEPT. 7, 1856. 



The Kremlin Towers, like Eastern Kings, arise. 
Where holy chapels greet the pilgrim's gaze ; 

As, from the sacred gate, with raptured eyes. 
He views the lofty domes in wondrous maze ! 

Ivan's proud tower rules the imperial halls ; 

While Michael's shrine the ancient Czars recalls ; 

For many an early Emperor lies there ; — 

Though Peter's City guards his dust with care. 

109 



THE COEONATIOX OF THE CZAR. 
II. 

The noble court-yard, wliere the staircase ends, 

Bj which processions rise to grand saloons, 
Is filled with troops ; — for war its tribute lends 

To grace the Czar, the source of glory's boons ;- 
A gay assemblage meets in colonnades. 
All recent reared for guests of honored grades : 
To-day the Czar assumes his father's crown ; 
And brightest skies of peace look smiling down. 



III. 

Colossus of the Eastern world of dreams, 
Majestic Eussia ! hail thy Czar to-day ! 
While countless millions praise the golden beams 

Of joyous peace, that bless this proud array : 
Like Memnon, seated by Egyptian Nile, 
And waked to music by the sun-god's smile. 
The glowing rays from hapj)ier lands than thine 
Attune thy might to harmony divine ! 

110 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 
IV. 

Between tlie serried ranks, a crimson sweep 

Of avenues, prepared for stately show, 
Glistens with copes and uniforms, as deep 

As when parterres' gay blossoms waving blow ; 
The clergy gather round yon chapel's gate, 
With incense, banners bright, and robes of state : 
From Ivan's reign, the Czars are ever crowned 
Within this shrine, that gilded saints surround. 



A pontifl; soon descends the palace-stair, 

While long-haired priests a glittering vessel raise ; 
The holy water, see ! he scatters, where. 

To bless the Czar's advance, he humbly prays : 
His vestments' glow attests his priestly might ; 
While soon he joins that group, in mitres bright, 
Where Persian carpets veil the crimson floor. 
And prelates, robed in gold, surround the door. 

Ill 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 

VI. 

There Philarete, the aged bishop, stands, 

To meet the Czar, and tender him the crown ; 

The populace wonhl rush to kiss his hands. 

Could they but reach where guards on entrance frown 

Fair Moscow owns his gentle sway with pride ; 

The Eussian church reveres in him a guide ; 

He now awaits the wddowed Empress, here, 

Who mourned so late beside a monarch's bier. 



VII. 

'Mid pealing chimes, a bright procession comes, 

The Empress Mother, canopied in state, 
AVith diamonds aldaze, of vojal sums, 

In cloth of gold and crown of costly weight : 
A long array of nobles throngs the way, 
And princesses with trains of colors gay ; ■ 
The Czar's 3^oung heir beside the Empress goes, 
Where tissue, borne on rods of silver, glows. 

112 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 
VIII. 

The jewelled cross, that Philarete extends, 

Is kissed in peace, and then the mitred throng 
Escort the Empress, who her throne ascends 
Within the stately chapel's shrine of song : 
Anon, the lordly prelates, at the gate. 
In silent pause the Czar's advance await ; 
While officers remain a brilliant frame 
Around the arms the sunlight tips with flame. 

IX. 

What scenes of horror once deformed this place, 

When haughty Bonaparte his legions led 
To seize the vojal shrine of Russia's race, — 

These towers, — that seemed as silent as the dead ! 
Then, patriot fires illumed each palace lone, 
And flames rolled round the Kremlin's sacred zone ; 
Till mighty France, in terror, fled a land 
That hurled new woes with such relentless hand. — 

113 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 

X. 

A roar of cannon, with the clang of bells, 

Inform the world the Autocrat draws nigh. 
While, louder yet, the joyful psean swells 

As though to reach the smiling, distant sky : 
Another pageant sweeps adown the stair, 
Displaying gems that Eussians only wear ; 
The courtiers pass in pairs, an endless train, 
To grace, in state, their master's opening reign. 

XI. 

The ladies, robed in emerald velvet, come, 
Embroidered gay, adorned with golden moon 

And floating veil ; while, near their joyous hum. 
Pass princesses, like clouds before tlie noon : 

A lordly train, with canojDy of gold 

Upheld by generals, comes, its wealth untold ; 

The Czar, in uniform of state, uncrowned ; 

The Empress, robed in white that sweeps the ground. 

114 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 

XI r. 

Such pageaiitiy, as gleams before our eyes, 

Shines with a splendor scarcely known to man, 
As when the Northern Lights illume the skies. 

And, streaming to the zenith, crown their span : 
The Czar moves on, with princes at his side, 
While nobles throng in undistinguished tide. 
Like comet, trailing through the brilliant night 
A wondrous train, surpassing starry light. 

XIII. 

The cross is kissed, and then the proud array 
Of prelate, Czar and prince, deserts the morn ; 

While bells peal forth to tell the listening day. 
The Czar in state the gorgeous crown has worn : 

At length, the Empress Mother, with her train. 

Resplendent seeks the palace-stair again ; 

The new-crowned pair the farther gates have passed. 

To march, beyond the walls, where throngs are massed. 

115 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 
XIV. 

Like some mirage, tlie traveller, on tlie plain 

Or sandy desert, sees majestic rise, 
These towers and domes seem works of Fancy's reign ; 

The bright assemblage waits with eager eyes, — 
As when, in tropic lands of balmy clime. 
Where waves of silver roll their crests sublime. 
And royal-palms droop fronds of dreamy grace. 
The birds salute the sun's returnino; face. 



XV. 

The Czar, in grand procession, by the gate 

Near yonder church, appears upon the scene ; 
The diamond crown he wears, of massy weight, - 

An azure blaze of flame, — exalts his mien : 
He looks a monarch firm, of gentle sway, 
Whose crown of gems eclipses sunlight's ray, 
Till, orb and sceptre, jewelled robes of gold 
With ermine decked, the gaze can hardly hold ! 

116 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 

XVI. 

The Empress fair, adorned with lesser crown,- — 

Like rainbows gleaming, — moves in stately guise, 
A golden mantle o'er her silken gown, 

While kindness beams within her lovely eyes : 
The Czar uncrowns his head, then goes to pray, 
Within St. Michael's church, for grace to-day ; 
Returning, soon the diamond dome he wears. 
Which has no power to soothe a monarch's cares. 

XVII. 

Like Fortunatus, endless wealth is thine, 
Lnperial Czar ! Like river on its way. 
That pours its stream 'mid hills that yield the vine, 

Refreshing thirsty fields through sunny day. 
So flows thy kindness toward the suffering slave, 
Till serfs, made free, shall all adore its wave. 
Nations of every garb and tongue appear, 
To hail their king, and bless the favored year ! 

117 



THE CORONATION OF THE CZAR. 
XVIII. 

The royal pageant wends its golden way, 

By yonder stair, all open to the skies, 
To wondrous lialls ; magnificent display ! 

There diamonds stud the doors, — a matchless prize, - 
While malacliite, in rich pilasters reared, 
Delights as though some fairj^dand appeared ! 
The Czar attends a feast with nobles proud. 
Where custom's sway is reverently allowed. 



XIX. 

At night, all Moscow flames with joyons lights, 
The Kremlin towers are dazzling seas of fire. 
While garden -trees, as in "Arabian Nights," 

Seem decked with colored gems, in radiant pyre ; 
St, Basil's shrine, like fountain-jets of flame. 
Beams fairer than when Ivan praised its fame. 
And palaces, along the river, seem 
To make this eve too bright for poet's dream. 

118 



LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE. 



Look out o'er yonder valley fair where flows the Tennessee, 

In bends unnumbered sweeping round to waters ever free ; 

There Chattanooga nestles by the turbid, rushing stream. 

And Missionary Ridge up-springs, — a scene for patriot's dream ! 

The mist oft drifts where charmed we stand, and view a cloudless sky 

But war has raged amid the clouds in years now scarce flown by. 

Then noble Grant his armies led from Chattanooga town. 

And sent brave Hooker here to drive the fierce insurgents down ; 

For rebels held these very heights, those few, short years ago, 

When Bragg essayed to keep our arms beyond that river's flow. 

While Sherman stormed yon lofty ridge, bold Hooker led his men 

Among the clouds, to fight the foe beside his mountain den : 

Then, glory fired their dauntless hearts for Union's sake to die, 

Or wrest from out the jaws of death the prize of victory I 

119 



LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE. 

Rebellion fled before our arms ; tlie heights were nobly won ; 
And from the elonds the stars and stripes were greeted by the sun. 
The gateway to the South then ours by Grant and Sherman's arms, 
Yon valley smiled on freedom soon, with all its peerless charms. 
Then gaze on Lookout Mountain well, where shot and shell have played, 
And bless the noble hearts that won the heights, all undismayed ! 



120 



FAIEY TALES OF THE TEOPICS. 



The Elves are blithe, fantastic sprites, 

And dwell in caverns fair, 
Whose crystal frostwork e'er invites 

The gaze with jewels rare ; 
Their Monarch reigns o'er wondrous isles 

That deck the glowing deep 
In tropic climes ; for Nature smiles 

Where elves her brilliants keep. 
While thus the Elf King's regal sway 

Extends o'er sunny lands, 
The Gnomes a rival chief obey, 

Where gleam the golden sands : 
Their King reigns o'er a mighty isle. 

Whose mines exalt his sway ; 
And deep, volcanic tire, the while. 

He rules with fierce display. 

121 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

A Faiiy Queen's vast kingdom briglit, 

Beneatli more distant slcies, 
Adorns the island group of liglit 

Where towering mountains rise : 
Her subjects wander through the isles 

To seek the jasmine flowers, 
Whose perfume floats for balmy miles, 

And wreathe entrancing bowers. 
The Elf Kino; was for magic famed : 

Thus when enchanters came 
To tr}' their powers, his might proclaimed 

How he deserved his name : 
His favorite Elf a wizard slew 

That strove to bind the King ; 
Who, for his loyal service true. 

Adorned each gleaming wing, 
Then gave a m3^stic, jewelled sword 

To guard from every foe ; 
Its power had often saved its lord, 

Who charmed each deadly blow. 

122 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Gnome King loved a beauteous Fay, 

That would not heed his prayer, 
And smiled to see him oft display 

Rich gems and blossoms rare : 
She was a lovely, bright-winged maid, 

Who, with her sister, dwelt 
Within a fairy grotto's shade. 

Where oft her lover knelt. 
Pier jealous sister loved the Gnome, 

And longed to win his heart ; 
But he preferred to fondly roam, 

In hope, by some new art. 
To woo the lovely, blue-eyed Fay 

To be his queenly bride ; 
While oft, in knightly, rich array. 

He sought her o'er the tide. 
The Elf King ordered revels gay, 

Within his magic grot, 
And prayed each charming, island Fay 

To seek the favorite spot. 

123 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The sisters twain resolved to go ; 

And crossed tlie tranquil main 
In pearly sliells, illumed to glow 

Beneatli eacli sliining train. 
The Gnome King warned them not to leave 

Their peaceful, island shade ; 
Then said a weird mischance would grieve 

Their liearts, without his aid : 
He gave the Fay a jewel bright, 

And bade her prove its power 
Whene'er its tabsmanic might 

Could save in danger's hour. 
The sisters sought the cavern's light ; 

And left the Royal Gnonre 
To guard their grot from ou})he and sprite. 

While they were o'er the foam : 
They floated, as on wings of fate. 

While moonbeams filled the air. 
To where the Elf King reigns in state 

Within his grotto fair ! 

124 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 



In sparkling grots of wondrous lines, 

Beside the tropic sea, 
The elves hold revels, and amuse 

The fairies with their glee : 
Borne on the silvery waves, they come 

To join the elfin court ; 
Then sounds a mystic, joyous hum 

Of wildest, fairy sport ; 
They climb the fragile pillars fair, 

Where flowers, they cull afar. 
Are chained by magic powers of air, 

Each with a crystal star. 

125 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Amid these scenes of revelry, 

A Fairy, musing, gazed ; — 
"While, moored beside the moonlit sea, 

Her pearly bark still grazed 
The shining coral reef: — she dreamed 

Of many a distant shore, 
Where grots of paler radiance beamed 

That charmed her fancy more ; 
Of lovely isles, whose beauteous palms 

More wondrous ever seemed, 
When wandering 'mid the richer charms 

With which this magic gleamed : 
" joyous land of flowers ! " she thought, 
" Where glows the Torrid sun, 
And Nature yields her gifts, unsought, 

Why was my life begun ! 
I dwelt a happy fay till now. 

But, since the Gnome King's power 
Has poured his gifts to deck my brow, 

I scarcely prize my bower ; 

126 



THE elves' GEOTTO. 

My sister loved me well till then, 

But now slie colder otqws : 
Ah, would I could live o'er again 

Those hours, ere youth shall close ! "" 
Her sister watched her dreamy mood, 

And sighed : "Ah, happy maid ! 
Thou dreamest of the Gnome that wooed 

Fair charms that soon will fade ; 
He cared not for my lustrous eyes. 

But prized thy orbs of blue ; 
Though storms between ns twain arise. 

His faith shall not prove true : 
I well deserve the jewelled crown, 

That should be mine by right ; 
The gallant Gnome shall cast it down 

Before my raptured sight ; 
And we shall reign amid the mines 

That glitter in our groves. 
Where- wreathe the wondrous, perfumed vines 

To tempt the ouphe that roves." 

127 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Slie viewed lier sister's dreamy face, 

Wliicli now more blusliing grew ; 
The lovely Fay, witli witcliiiig grace. 

Reclined, in musings new ; 
Till, waking now, slie beaming smiled ; 

For, darting tbrongli tlie fays, 
A merry Elf lier dreams beguiled 

With dance, to win ber gaze ; 
Now, floated airily between 

The slender columns bright ; 
Then, liovering near, with joyous mien. 

Soft fanned her wings of light. 
" Oh, prithee, come with me," he sang, 
" To our proud Monarch's throne ; 
And plight thy troth, where crystals hang 

In wondrous, mazy zone ! " 
" Nay ! " softly breathed the dreamy Fay, 
" My home, beyond the sea. 
Has sprites as fair, and hearts as gay, 

I may not list to thee." 

128 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

The jealous sister murmured low : 
"This Elf, who loves her well, 
May aid my purpose, that will show, 

Who best a Queen should dwell ! " 
She whispered to the joyous Elf : 
" Wouldst gain my sister's hand? 
A lover bold then prove thyself; — 

She should not quit this land; — 
A wondrous jewel decks her hair. 

That can her freedom gain. 
Yet 't will be used but in despair; 

With gnomes she will not reign. 
Thy kindly Monarch will approve, 

Then seek his splendid throne, 
And win her by a daring move, 

She will be thine alone ! " — 
The Elf drew near the dreaming Fay, 

And shook liis wand of light ; 
The Fairy started, in dismay. 

To feel its potent might : 

129 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

A rainbow chariot rose in pride, 

Her lover t-liarmed the car 
To waft tlie winning, captive bride 

To halls that beamed afar. 
The filmy Ijats, he liarnessed, bore 

The chariot on its way. 
And many an elf flew on before, 

To lead to pageants gay ; 
Tlie sister Fairy swiftl}^ sped 

Beside their airy fliglit; 
While, w^ith the Fay, wliose senses fled. 

Fast drove tlie elfin knis^lit. 



A throne was reared of dazzling gems; 

And crowned with glistening pearl. 
His feet on priceless diadems. 

The Monarch watclied the whirl 
Of mazy dances, 'neath a dome 

With crystal glories bright, 

130 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

^^'llel■e sparkling gardens made their liome 

In fairy l)Owers of light. 
The chariot whirled before the throne, 

And soon the elfin youth 
Implored, with many a tender moan, 

His Monarch's aid : " In sooth, 
Great Sovereign ! '' he, appealing, cried, 
" But grant my humble prayer. 
And V)id this charming fairy guide 

My life, that we ma}^ share 
The glories of thy might}^ reign ; 

Oh, bid her list to me. 
And I will face the stormy main. 

Or brave the world for thee ! " 
The lovel}- Fay responded : " King ! 

I crossed the silver deep 
To view a grot the Muses sing. 

And joyous feast to keep. 
Proud Monarch ! break this fearful charm, 

And let me flee away ; 

131 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Or tliou slialt feel the Gnome King's arm 

Before the break of day ! " 
The Monarch gazed, in kindly mood, 

And wondered at the scene ; 
But pity, for an elf that wooed 

A fay of coldest mien. 
With royal justice struggled well ; 

And courtiers gathered near, 
To liear his lips the verdict tell 

And Fay or lover cheer. 
At length the Elf King muttered low : 

" This Fay is beauty's pride, 
And such should grace the ardent glow 

Of elves that near me glide." 



The Elf, in rapture, bent the knee 
Before the beauteous Fay ; 

But, turning from him haughtily. 
She cried : "Ye Powers ! obey 

13-2 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

This magic pearl the Gnome King gave ! 

His parting gift to me, 
A talisman of might to save 

From foes of prond degree ! " 
She cast the jewel on the ground 

Before the roj^al throne, — 
There came a mystic, hollow sound, 

That shook the lucent zone ; 
A chasm opened, and the pearl 

Was seized by wizard hand, 
While lambent flames, in sparkling whirl. 

The precious treasure fanned ! 
Entranced, the jealous Fairy viewed 

The ruddy vapours' glow ; 
Then feared her sister's pride subdued, 

And tears commenced to flow. — 
A voice resounded : " Fay, descend ! 

Nor dread the fiery way ; 
The Elf King's power is at an end, 

Where Gnomes assert their sway ! " 

133 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Fa}', in terror, viewed tlie flames. 

And, sorrowing, cried : "Alas ! 
I dare not, since tlie Grnome King claims 

M}' hand, his kingdom pass ! " 
Three times the voice responded : " Come ! " 

And then the wizard hand 
Swift vanislied with the pearl : — tliongh dundj 

With fright, the elfin band 
Addressed the Monarch to prevent 
• Sucli breach of ancient peace. 
And warn these Powers of punishment, 

Uidess such terrors cease ! 
The Elf King sat, revolving well 

The weird and hostile scene. 
And watclied the bride, wdrose fearful spell 

He heard with noble mien. 
The Fa}' implored the King to jdeld. 

And cause tliese woes to end : 
Her calling on the gnomes for shield 

Could not this praj'er commend. 

134 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

The Monarch bade his courtiers bring 

Fair censers, bright with gold ; 
And, bidding tliem sweet incense fling, 

His magic scrolls unrolled. 
He then invoked the gnomes, by all 

Their ancient, plighted oath, 
To keep their faith, nor rudely call 

For war to blight them both ! 
The elves resume the merry dance, 

While brilliant lights unfold 
The cavern's fragile veils that glance 

From arches tipj)ed with gold ; 
The glorious aisles in beauty glow, 

And rainl)ow colors rare 
Array the glistening walls, that show 

A pearly lustre fair. — 
The Fay, despairing, gazed on high. 

Then, floating to the dome. 
Became a crystal butterfl}-. 

And found a radiant home ! 

135 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Elf despaired to break tlie charm, 

And pra3"ed her love in vain ; 
While elves and fajs, in mnte alarm, 

Dissolved their mazy chain. 
The Monarcli charG;;ed the lover lorn 

To seek her isle, afar, 
And bring her friends, with him to mourn 

This lost, effulgent star : 
" Her sisters' prayers may soothe the Fay, 

Or thou must win renown. 
And bring some talisman that may 

Subdue thy charmer's frown ! " 



While 3^et they wondered at the scene, 

So weirdly new, and strange, 
A murmur ran, the aisles between, 

Of some approaching change : 
A champion, from the Grnome King's realm, 

Rode in on fiery steed ; 

136 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

Before tlie throne lie doffed liis helm, 

And bade the King take heed : 
" My master sends thee challenge true 

To meet him in the fight, 
When tliou thy cruel course shalt rue, 

And free this fiuvj bright ! " 
The King resjionded : " Tell the Gnome, 

I '11 send a champion bold 
To bravely seek him, o'er the foam, 

Before an hour is old." 
The knightly messenger replied : 
" My master thee defies ; 
In rank with thee he ever vied ; 

Thy throne shall be his prize ! " 
He cast his gauntlet on the ground, 

It gleamed with jewels rare ; 
The youthful Elf, with joyous bound, 

Swift floated through the air, 
Then plucked the gauntlet up, with pride. 

And said : " My gracious King, 

137 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

I figlit the Gnome who thee defied, 

Whatever Fate may bring ! " 
The champion gnome, in high disdain, 

Replied : " My master proud 
But challenges thy Monarch vain, 

And not the courtier crowd ! " • 
With that, his courser pawed the ground, 

The opening rocks received 
The haughty gnome, while fire around 

Showed Earth's proud bosom heaved. 



The Court drew near to bid the Elf 

His valor true display, 
And bring the gnome a slave, himself. 

That should their King obey ; 
The Monarch said : " Thy trusty blade 

Must battle wage for me ; 
With armor true, the fays will aid 

Thy prowess, o'er the sea." 

138 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

The PJlf sped o'er the waves of liglit, 

And souo-lit the coral isle 
Where glow the vales supremely bright, 

That fairy griefs beguile. 
" loveliest Fay ! " he dreaming said, 

As swiftly flew his car, 
" Why hast thou from thy lover fled, 

That he should roam afar ? 
Unless I win thy precious love, 

And claim thee for my bride, 
I '11 seek our crystal dome above, 

And perish by thy side : 
A sparkling wonder shall enshrine 

This heart, that beats for thee ; 
Entranced by thy fair charms divine, 

No waking morn I '11 see ; 
But first I will the Gnome King meet. 

And soon avenge the slight 
. My Sovereign feels : the Gnome shall greet 

An earnest foe to-niglit! " 

139 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

A troop of lovely iajs received 

The valiant, elfin sprite, 
And, while they for their sister grieved. 

Devised a plan of might : 
They bade him seek her favorite grot, 

And hrino' a wondrous o-em 
The Fairy c;dled "Forget-me-not,'" 

And swift the wavelets stem : 
" The Gnome King guards the spot : " they cried, 
" And, fighting for th}' King, 
Thou wilt perhaps deserve thy bride ; 

Theu haste, with rapid wing ! " 
The Elf admired the brilliant plan, 

And blessed the fairies kind. 
Then vowed, until that strife began. 

To wish no peace of mind : 
They placed within his wondrous car 

A suit of armor gay. 
And bade him wear it, when afar, 

To shield him in the fray. 

140 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

The elfin lover hies through groves 

Of mango, palm and spice, 
To seek the gem, and bravely roves 

Througli glades, and fields of rice : 
Strange goblins pla}', like starry gleams, 

Between the stately palms ; 
And weird enchantments throng his dreams, 

Till hope his spirit calms. 
The moon is veiled like Eastern Queen ; 

But 't is a glorious sight 
To view the brilliants' dazzling sheen 

Across the breast of Night ; 
The Southern Cross flames on her brow, 

And planets shine as fair, 
That glitter like twin diamonds, now, 

Upon her ebon hair. 
The Elf invades the fairy dell. 

Though gnomes hurl javelin spines 
From orange boughs, with wizard spell, 

To guard their o-leamino: mines: 



141 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Tlie fire-flies speed on to liglit 

Tlie jungie's dreamy lane, 
Willie peeping stars smile o'er liis fliglit, 

And bid him still his pain. 
He hears the distant waterfalls 

Leap down the mountain's side, 
In playful song, that e'er recalls 

His fair, enchanted bride ; 
Before him floats a vision sweet 

On perfumed wings of air, 
That seems his wandering course to greet, 

And leads with warblings rare ; 
Soft zephju-s fan his fevered brow, 

And promise him their aid. 
For deadly combat threatens, now. 

Beyond the jungle's shade. 
At length, within a wondrous vale 

Where palms droop verdant plumes, 
He sees the gleam of coat-of-mail 

A grot's pale light illumes : 

142 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

" The Gnome King still defends the place 

Mj love has left ; " he thought, 
" A sentiy proud, avIio turns his face 

As thouo;li some foe he sought." 
He bade his mystic car abide 

The issue of the fight ; 
And, leaping down, vitli 3'outhful pride, 

Soon donned his armor bright : 
The angel-fish had formed each scale 

Of purest azure hue ; 
The emerald trogon's plumes avail 

To deck his helmet true ; 
The bright macaw's gay, shining down 

AYas plucked to weave his vest ; 
His visor gleaming rubies crown, 

Beneath his nodding crest : 
A magic shield he bravely bore, 

And drew a diamond blade. 
His Monarch's gift in days of yore, 

For rendering knightly aid. — 

143 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Gnome King wooed the gentle Fay ; 

And, when she left her grot 
To view the elves' wild revels gay, 

He sought the cherished spot ; 
And loved to linger where she dwelt. 

To kiss the jewels bright 
She gathered ; while his heart would melt 

With loverdike delight. 
Her favorite gem, she found beside 

A bubbling, silver well ; 
But he had placed it there with pride. 

To grace her verdant dell ; 
He guarded it with golden lance, 

And, when the Elf drew near. 
Cast many a haughty, angry glance. 

And shook his glittering spear. — 
The red flamingo gave its wing 

To form his scarlet dress ; 
His shark-skin mail, of many a ring, 

Was forged by sorceress ; 

144 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

The nautilus his hehnet gave, 

'T was decked with heron's plume ; 
His shield of pearl, the briny wave 

Had taught him to assume. — 
" Avaunt ! " he shouted, " truant Elf, 

The Fay im|)lores my aid ; 
Her sacred grot I guard, myself, 

Then quit this fairy glade ! '' 
The gallant Elf replied : " The gem 

I seek, to win her love, 
Once graced thy royal diadem ; 

But, in the stars above. 
Where we may, all, our fates survey, 

I read a victor's crown ; 
And see I soon shall bear away 

The prize, despite thy frown ! 
I fight, a cbampion for my King, 

Whom thou hast so defied ; 
While swift to combat bold I spring 

To win from thee my bride ! 

145 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

I here defy thee with this blade ! " — 

"T was shaped by magic skill, 
And powers of air its stroke obeyed 

To work the Gnome King ill ! — 
The foe was brave ; he met the Elf 

In fatal contest now, 
And, like a warrior, roused himself 

To fight, with threatening brow ! 
They fiercely wrestled, wliile the Gnome 

His utmost strength essayed ; 
He battled for the fairy's home ; 

The Elf invoked her aid. 
The gnomes desert their treasured gold 

To view the combat grim ; 
And aid full well their Monarcli bold, 

Whose hopes are growing dim : 
Enraged, to find the diamond blade 

Repel his mighty blows, 
He shook his lance, and flames arrayed 

The point, while smoke arose 1 

146 



THE ELVES GROTTO. 

The zephyrs blew the fire awaj, 

And quenched, with cooling dew, 
The glowing spear, till wild dismay 

To fiercer battle drew : 
He now threw fiery serpents round 

That fouo-ht the Elf with rao'e ; 
But, with his magic blade, they found 

No power could engage ; 
For well he braved the wondrous lance. 

And, with the gleaming sweep 
Of his weird sword's unerrins; o-lance. 

His foes at bav could keep : 
He wounded them with many a blow ; 

His sabre, flashing bright, 
Could blind the Gnome, and proudh^ show 

Its lord the victor knight : 
At length his rival flies afar ! 

And now the joyous sprite 
Has won the prize, and turns his car 

With air}^, rapid flight. — 

147 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Soft l)eamed the moon across the main, 

With l)rilliant path of hght ; 
And flying-fish, in glimmering chain, 

Leaped high, with hast}^ fright, 
As swe})t the gleaming car along 

The trembling, silver sea ; 
While water-nymphs, in choral song, 

Breathed tender melod}'. — 
Bnt, swift as glides the magic car. 

The Elf, whose hopes seem bright, 
Would fain outstrip the shooting-star, 

That mocks him through the night : 
■ Ye glorious lights of Heaven ! " he cried, 
" That cheered me in my pain. 
Oh, bring me to m}^ loved one's side, 

Nor let my toils be vain ! " — - 
The kindly fays had sought the grot 

To win their sister's heart. 
And l)id her yield, and trouble not 

Tlieir love by subtle art ; 

148 



TPIE ELVES GROTTO. 

But vain their prayers and anxious words, 

The crj^stal dome retained 
The timid Faj', till, swift as birds. 

The grot her lover gained. 
Before his Monarch's throne, he rears 

The beauteous gem on high 
To bid the Fairy cease her fears, 

Nor from his pleadings fly : 
" My liege ! " he said, " we bravely fought ; 

The Gnome King battled well ; 
He lost tlie victory he sought ; 

Thy sword dissolved his spell ! " — 
He gazed upon the sparkling lieight, 

Where, 'mid fantastic forms. 
The butterfl}', his dreams' delight. 

Escaped from troublous storms : 
" My love, my own, return to me ! " 

He cried in pleading tones, 
" Thy cherished gem I bring to thee, 

Then hear thy lover's moans ! 

149 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Across tlie tropic sea I fled 

To seek tli j enrlj liome ; 
Tli}^ sisters' hearts in pity bled, 

They souglit thee o'er the foam. 
For thee I braved a gallant foe 

Who well deserved the fight ; 
But thy fair image nerved each blow, 

And soon he took to flight. 
Then come, my life, my own ! " he cried ; 
" The Gnome King sighs in vain ; 
Return to me, my charming bride, 

And wear love's gentle chain ! " — 



Tlie crystal phantom slowly fades. 
Till, from tlie dazzling height. 

The Fairy floats, for love soon aids 
Her faithful pleader's might. 

Her lovely face all blushing glowed. 
And eyes of heavenly blue 

150 



THE elves' grotto. 

Looked down with softened light, that showed 

She prized his valor true. 
The moonbeams spun her veil, 't was tlirown 

Around an angel form ; 
Her azure wings, more lustrous grown, 

And gentle glance, inform 
Her raptured lover, that a knight 

Of such courageous mien 
Is worthy of her beauty bright : 

She seems a radiant queen ! 



The Elfin Monarch, smiling, blessed 

The fairy lovers' tie ; 
And, bending low, they each confessed 

His j^otent sovereignty. 
A burst of weirdest music rolled 

Along the brilliant aisles, 
Where elves poured tinkling showers of gold. 

That rose in gorgeous piles. 

151 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

In gay procession round tlie throne, 

The tricksy phantoms hied, 
Wliile flowers were bound, in perfumed zone, 

Around the fairy bride: 

■ O coiKiueror of the mighty Gnome ! " 

Tlie fairies sang with joy, 

■ Tliy h)ve no more will bid thee roam, 

Nor should new strife employ 
Tliy steadfast courage ; peace be thine, 

And lia])})iness untold ; 
Enjoy the hours that gaily twine 

Their wreaths for henjcs bold ! "' 
The chariot wafts the lovers twain. 

In dreams of joyous love, 
To seek a grot beside the main. 

The laughing waves above : 
They dwell within that cavern fair. 

Remote from mcjrtal view, 
Or sport, on wings of tropic air. 

Across the waters blue. 

152 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 



THE GXO:\[E KIXCx S WEDDIXG. 



The Gnome King's palace gleams with gold, 

And jewels sparkling bright, 
Where rnby columns, rare, uphold 

A dome of radiant light : 
The topaz and the amethyst 

Are strewed to deck the floor ; 
While diamond arches, like a mist 

Of morn, su})erbly soar 
In dreamy vistas, splendid aisles. 

All vaulted o'er with pearl, 
AVhere sapphires glow like azure isles. 

And rainbow colors whirl ! 



153 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

When, flying from the victor Elf, 

The Gnome King songlit his tlirone, 
Winged conrtiers, wondering like himself, 

A¥ith many a pitying moan, 
Consoled their hanghty, vanqnished King, 

And cnrsed tlie magic blade, 
That conld such wild disaster bring. 

Despite their proffered aid. 
His Champion grieved, that he had not 

Waylaid the fatal sword. 
Or seized it ere he left the grot. 

And thns have saved his lord : 
He knelt before the dazzling throne, 

And made obeisance low, 
Until his Sovereign's features shone, 
As wonder banished woe ! 
" My gracious Master! " soft he said, 

" But deign th}^ slave a word ; 
That blade hath well the Elf King s})ed, 
Yet, should my prayer be heard, 

154 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

I soon will rend it from his kniglit, 

Who, ra])t in bridal joys, 
May soon forget its wizard might, 

While gnomes deserve such to^'s ! 
I will transform my warrior face, 

And, like a merry sprite. 
Will seek the prize, with stealthy pace : 

The brand shall crown my flight ! " 
He looked around to see if all 

Approved his crafty speech : 
The valiant gnomes now thronged the hall, 

And he inspired each : 
The Court applauded, till the dome 

Resounded with their mirth. 
The Monarch bade the faithful Gnome 

Now prove his noble worth : 
" Return," he cried, " with that weird blade, 

And claim a kingly gift ! 
For he that grants me such an aid 

His shield may proudly lift ! " 

155 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Cliain})ioii Gnome, with cunning art, 

Disguised his features bold ; 
And, playing his nefarious part, 

Soon left the realms of gold. 
He sped across the azure sea, 

And sought the fairy grot. 
Revolving, with a wily glee, 

How best to reach the spot. 
But, as he passed a lovely isle. 

He saw tlie lovers t-wain. 
Where forests spread for many a mile, 

Swift wuiiging from the main : 
In bridal happiness, the pair, 

He sought to iniure now, 
Soft floated through the balmy air ; 

Then, witli unruffled brow. 
The Elf resigned his magic blade 

To please the charming l)ride. 
And placed it 'neath a })alm-tree's shade, 

His fairy love beside. 



15G 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

The caitiff Gnome drew near to seize 

The precious, wizard gem ; 
And, like a snake between the trees, 

Credit round eacli tapering stem, 
'J'ill, when he deemed the treasure won. 

The noble Elf espied 
The stranger's mien ; and, like the sun 

That strikes the gleaming tide, 
Smote down the baffled Gnome, and then 

Compelled his tardy flight,_ 
Until, within a darksome den 

That never knew the light, 
He chained him, near his Monarch's grot ; 

And sped to warn the King, 
That some mysterious counter-plot 

Had made this gnome take wing. — 
His fairy bride soon floated o'er 

The golden, rolling tide. 
And left her shell beside the shore, 

To reach her loyer's side. 

157 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Her sister, who was full of lio})e 

To win the Gnome King's hand, 
Still lingered, — as a further scope 

Her plans might yet demand, — 
Beside the grotto's crystal arch ; 

And, wlien she heard the Gnome 
Bewail his fate's relentless march. 

Half sighed to think of home ; 
Tlien longed to break the charm that bound 

The mournful, captive sprite ; 
Till soon an entrance wa}' she found, 

To reach the realm of Night, 
AYhere, bound with fairy chains, she saw 

The haughty Gnome ; and knew 
It was the Champion, whom, with awe, 

She lieard give challenge true. 
"Art thou the hero knight," she said, 
"That late, on wondrous steed. 
Defied the Elf King's power? He fled 

The dangerous fight, indeed ! 

158 



THE GNOME KING's WEDDING. 

But liis proud cliampion brings thee here 

In fetters harsh, to-day : 
How nobly thou thy King wouldst cheer, 

And bear that brand away ! " 
The Gnome replied : " Most lovely fay ! 

Iladst thou V)een called to reign. 
These woes could not have found their way 

To dim thy jewelled train ; 
But learn the spell that Ijinds my form, 

And set thy pleader free ; 
Then I will strive, through peace and storm, 

To deck a throne for thee ! " 



The jealous fay flew near the bride, 

To learn the magic charm. 
By listening, when the Elf replied 

To questions of alarm. 
How he could bind the Gnome so well ; 

The laughing Elf declared, 

159 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

No power on earth could break tlie s|)(ill. 

Till lie its secret shared. 
T\\e Fay then sadly asked him, why 

He loved her charms no more ; 
She well deserved a kind reply, 

AVho left her distant shore. 
'IMie Kit' soft ninrmured : "Touch his win,<rs. 

And hi'eatlie our Monarch's name; 
Wouldst free him, say, 'The grace of kings 

AVouldst hind him, • Kest in tlame ! " "' 
Ein-;iptnred, now, to hear the charm, 

I'he jealons sister left 
The ha])py pai]', who dreame(l no hai'm, 

Of all their hliss bereft! 
AVitli hasty ])ace, she joyful sought 

'J'he (inome's enchanted cell, 
And, with the sorcery thus taught, 

Dissolved the mighty spell ! 
The (inome, on bended knee, replied, 

And vowed allegiance true; 

160 



THE flXOME KING S AVEDDIXG. 

Then S(.)ugiit the magic prize ; and hied 

Along the ocean blue, 
Until he saw the bride display 

The brand's wild, flashing lio-ht, 
And watcli the Elf, as prone he lay 

In airy slumljers briglit. 
The Gnome appeared a gentle sprite, 

And almost feared the blade, 
Until the bride, with fond delight. 

Seemed dreaming in the shade ; 
Approacliing, with the faintest stir. 

He seized the brand, and sped 
Through fiery ways : and^ition's spur 

With visions charmed his liead ! 



The jewelled halls are bright, to-day, 

With happiness untold ; 
The Gnome King wields a friendly sway 

Amid the aisles of gold ; 

161 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TKOPICS. 

And winged tliousands throng around 

The sapphire throne of blue, 
To swell the ptean's joyful sound, 

And hail the Champion true. 
fie l)ore the magic sword Avith pride, 

And strode the aisles along, 
Where surged an all tumultuous tide 

Of fairy shout and song : 
On l)ended knee he placed the blade 

Before the gorgeous throne : 
The Monarch joyfully surveyed 

Its lustrous, emerald zone ; 
Then raised the wondrous brand on high, 

And, waving it around. 
Said : "Elfin Powers, I ye defy! 

Your talisman is found ! 
Full well I know the mystic power 

The Elf King long has claimed. 
But this good sword can ruin shower : 

My prowess it has shamed ! 

162 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

And who can e'er resist our niiglit, 

When, with onr arms of flame, 
This dreaded l.hide shall put to flight 

The foes of our proud name ! 
Assemble all our troo})s," he cried, 
" For sudden war, to-day ! 
Let l3roidered tents, in martial pride, 

Be pitched without dela}' ! " 
With clashing shield and gleaming spear. 

The Gnomes replied : "Lead on ! " 
But now his wizard might made clear 

A grievous woe, anon. 
■ The Elf King's magic scrolls forbid 

Our use of Are below," 
He said, "or else our flames had hid 

His grot in fiery glow ! 
The sea, alone, is ours as well. 

And we must storm his fleet. 
With all the meaus that rage can swell, 

To pledge his sure defeat ! " 

163 



FAIRV TALES OF THE TKOPICS. 

The Champion Gnome, as Admiral, 

Was named to lead the fra}', 
While all held warlike carnival. 

And dared the realms of day. 
With gilded mail, of every hue, 

The courtiers then arrayed 
Their glistening forms, and grand review 

Of all tlieir arms was made. 
The Gnome King ordered slaves to seek 

Tlie deep abyss below, 
And bid the llames their worst to wreak, 

To whelm the elves with woe. 
By rising 'neath the mighty deep. 

With fierce, volcanic power, 
Where'er the foemen's fleet might swee}). 

Before the battle's hour. 
" Our vessels Cj^uickly must be framed," 

lie said, " of shining pearl. 
With golden masts, and war proclaimed, 

That we may bravely hurl 

164 



THE GNOME KINGS WEDDING. 

Our navv, with resistless mio-ht, 

Upon the Elfin fleet: 
Before the twili-i'lit ushers night, 

Their King shall own defeat! 
Our Champion shall defy the churl, 

As late he did so well ; 
Then haste, our banners' sheen unfurl : 
- Let trumpets loudly swell ! " 
A phalanx })roud, of wari-iors bold, 

Oljeyed the martial call, 
And helmets waved their crests of gold 

Along the jewelled hall : 
The Gnome King led his army bright 

From out the realms of ore, 
And soon encamped them, for the fight, 

Around a coral shore. 
Bj' mystic art, the fleet soon rose 

Beside the tranquil sea, 
And, ere the early morning's close, 

Was manned, b}^ proud decree ! 

165 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The bridegroom Elf awoke from dreams 

Of happiness, to find, 
That, while he (piaffed Hope's golden streams, 

Ilis fate had })roved nrdcind. 
The fairy bride lamented o'er 

A loss supremely great ; 
But what disturbed her lover more, 

And made him meditate, 
AVas, who had stolen the precious blade : 

He sought the darksome cell, 
And found no prisoner in its shade : 

The Gnome had prospered well ! — 
The Elf King rpiickly learned the tale ; 

But, l)y his magic art. 
Could all the mystery unveil 

And sage advice impart : 
" The Gnome lias borne the trust}- blade 

To his great Sovereign's realm; 
Who now, I see, will soon invade 

Our coasts; lest they o'erwhelm 

1G6 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

Our prowess, swift, the fleet prepare ! 

I name tfiee to command : 
My art shall save ns from despair ; 

The talismanic brand, 
Their prize, will not obey the Gnome 

When wielded in the fray ; 
And we shall drive their navy home 

In terrible dismay ! " 



The Elf assumed command with speed, 

And soon arrayed the fleet : 
The Ellin host was vast, indeed, 

And never knew defeat ; 
But all bethought them of the blade, 

The Gnome King proudlj- bore ; 
Yet trusted in their Sovereign's aid. 

And boldly left the shore. 
The shining wavelets danced around 

The silvery sails and oars ; 

167 



FAIIIV TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

While trumpets blew, witli joyful sound, 

The pennons waved in scores ! 
But Jirst, the King adjured the deep; 

For strange, volcanic might 
Began, beneath the waves, to creep, 

And threatened instant flight ! 
The watei's boiled, and flames arose; 

Till, with enchantment's power. 
The Monarch wrought a wondrous close 

To storms that seemed to lower : 
Upon a gilded deck he sat, 

And charmed the waves, below, 
With such a potent magic, that 

They quenched tlieir fiery flow ! 
The sea grew calm, the sails were s})read ; 

And soon the Gnome King's bark 
Appeared — a mighty squadron's head — 

With purple sails, to mark 
Where'er their leader should engage 

The hated Ellin ships ; 

168 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

For, tilled with an imperial rage, 

That Monarch pressed his lips. 
To see the hostile fleet evade 

The terrors he pre})ared, 
And ready now to dare the blade 

Whose might he had declared. 
He turned to greet the Champion Gnome, 

And said : " Our foes make light 
Of Powers that should have turned the foam 

To fiery surges bright : 
Engage with their weird Monarch's sliip ; 

His pennon's haughty gleam 
Shall soon, dishonored, lowly di}), . 

While mine shall proudly stream ! " 
The faithful Gnome replied : " Great King ! 

Thy arms shall conquest win; 
But, ere to battle's proof we wing, 

Bethink thee how within 
The Elf King's power that brand had stayed, 

Had not the dark-eyed Fay, 

109 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

With mjstic arts, for thee betrayed 

The secret of their sway : 
Oh, coukl I see lier reign with thee ; 

That radiant hall of onrs 
Should liail the Queen that set me free, 

And strew her throne with flowers ! " 



The Monarch praised the kindly Gnome ; 

For, since the Elf had wed 
The lovel}^ sister, his fair dome 

Should greet this Fay, instead. 
" A truce to talk of bridal joys ; " 

He cried, "and swift press on; 
The Elf King's might all peace destroys ; 

When victory comes, anon, 
We will relate those charms divine ; 

But honor becks away : 
A victor's crown shall soon be mine ; 

Then Ijrave that proud array ! " 

170 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

The Champion Gnome, as admiral, 

Gave orders for the fight ; 
It seemed a brilliant festival ; 

For every shi]^ was diglit 
With fairy colors, gold and gems ; 

But, when the trumpet blew. 
The monarchs doffed their diadems 

For helmets, proved and true ; 
While every elf and gnome prepared 

To wield the fearful powers 
They could command, and bravely shared 

The dangers of those hours. 
With grappling hooks, the vessels paired 

For deadly combat now ; 
Winged heroes strode the decks, that dared 

The leap, as, prow to prow, 
The ships with warlike onset shook ; 

And knights to battle flew, 
With fflitterino- lance and shield, to brook 

The worst the foe could do. 

171 



FAIKY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Tlie Gnome King's sliip, with }nirple sail, 

Soon reached its rival bark : 
Like birds that fly before the gale, 

They swept to conflict dark : 
With jacinth blades, the gnomes and elves 

Soon battled for the prize ; 
The gnomes, from charms to free themselves 

The elves to signalize 
Their valor, and repel the foe 

That marred their ancient peace. 
The Gnome King Anewed the combat's a'low, 

And saw the strife increase; 
Then drew the mighty brand, and cleft 

The sunnv air with pride, 
To dare the Elf King, as bereft 

Of all his power beside. 
The gallant Elf desired to meet 

The Eoyal Gnome once more. 
And triumph, if he could defeat 

That rival as before : 

172 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

His King replied : " The talisman 

Will own its lord in me ; 
Then I will lead, in danger's van ; 

But, wlien I once can free 
Thy valor from its dangerous might, 

Advance, and win the day : 
Thou art the hero of the fight. 

And all shall thee obey ! " 



The King moved on to meet the Gnome, 

Who boldly raised the sword : 
It flashed across the glistening foam, 

Then drooped before its lord : 
Enraged, the Gnome King bravely sought 

To raise it for the fray. 
But, lea})ing with the speed of thought. 

It weirdly sped away. 
And sought the Elf King's gracious side : 

He kissed the blade with joy, 

173 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Then gave it to liis champion tried, 

Who well could it employ. 
The gnomes, in terror, thronged around, 

And newly armed their King ; 
Till he, for courage long renowned. 

Defiance bold could flino-. 



The Elf advanced with deadly stroke, 

And cleft a gleaming wa}", 
Where, wrapped in flames and cloud of smoke. 

The Gnome King sought to sway 
The terrors of tlie fight ; but soon, — 

Though fierce the flames he blew, — • 
The Elf, beneath the blazing noon, 

AYell proved his valor true : 
The talisman, in wondrous sweep, 

Surpassed the utmost power 
The Gnome could bring by witchcraft deep ; 

And conquest crowned the hour ! 

174 



THE GNOME KING's WEDDING. 

The Elf King sounded trumpets now, 

For parley witli the Gnome ; 
And soon they met upon the prow, 

Above the sparkling foam : 
The warriors then for peace agreed, 

And signals were displayed; 
A stately marriage was decreed : 

The brilliant, dark-ej^ed maid, 
Who loved, the Gnome, should, wedded be. 

When all the Powers would meet 
For joyous, bridal revelry. 

And soon forget defeat. 
The Gnome King owned love's gentle power. 

And praised his victor's sway ; 
While many a knight beguiled the hour 

With honors of the fray. 
The conquering elves sailed, home, to seek 

Their brightest, festal gear ; 
The gnomes withdrew, although with pique, 

And sought their richest cheer. 

175 



FAI]IY TALES OP" THE THOPICS. 

The palace beams witli hury lights ! ' 

Beside tlie Monarch's throne, 
Another orb of gems invites 

A Qneen to claim her own. 
The fairy sisters cross the sea, 

In })leasnre Ijarks of })earl, 
While all the elves, in joyous glee, 

Their silken sails unfurl : 
The argosy sweeps o'er the main 

To reach a verdant shore ; 
'^l^here valiant knights, in gallant train, 

Receive the fays once more. 
A In'idal pageant soon is formed, 

To seek the palace, where 
A mystic rite will be performed, 

That all the gnomes can share : 
A ])ontiif of the sacred fire 

.V waits their gallant King, 
While warble soft the glorious choir, 

That heavenly music sing. 

176 



THE GNOME KINGS WEDDING. 

The Gnome King soared to greet the fays ; 

And soon the blushing bride 
Acknowledged how she loved to praise 

His valor, that defied 
Such mighty magic in the fray : 

He kissed her glowing cheek, 
And vowed that ever, from that day, 

He would devoutly seek 
Her happiness above his own ! 

The lovely sister Fay 
Smiled tenderly, and brightly shone 

In bridal samite gay. 



'J'lie Elf and Gnome were reconciled ; 

And all moved proudly on 
To where tlie choristers beguiled 

Their princely march : anon. 
Adorned with robes of awful state. 

The Pontiff met the pair, 

177 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Before tlie radiant palace-gate, 

And blessed the perfumed air. 
While clouds of incense rise on liigli, 

Tliey seek an altar fair, 
Wliere flames the fire to sanctify 

The vows they fondly share : 
Along the diamond aisles they move : 

And now the sacred flames 
The Pontiff's noble prayer a})})roye, 

And bless the royal names. 



With grand arra}', the Elf King came 

To view the pageant gay : 
His winged warriors could claim 

The glory of the day ; 
But all declared, this gladsome feast 

Surpassed their wildest dream, 
And praised the stately, ancient priest, 

Whose blessing seemed supreme. 

178 



THE GNOME KING S WEDDING. 

The talisman, tliat won the fight, 

Was borne before the King, 
And viewed by many a hardy knight, 

That feared its deadl}^ swing. 
Beside the Gnome King's throne was reai'ed 

His rival's dazzling seat ; 
Wliere soon that kindly Monarch cheered 

The gnomes with praises meet. 
The bridal pair were then enthroned ; 

And now the Pontiff placed 
The crown, her sister had disowned, 

Upon the brow it graced. 
In joyfnl concord, gnomes and fays 

Did homage to tlie Queen ; 
And festivals, for many days. 

Were held with joj serene : 
On rainbow wings the hours flew by, 

While through the realms of gold 
The fairies roamed, to beautify 

A wealth of gems untold ; 

179 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The })alace rang witli joyous mirth, 

And, near the sappliire throne, 
Where bhizing brilliants bound its girth, 

Tlie brides in splendor shone : 
The royal Gnome each wish divined, 

And, with his gracious Queen, 
Enhanced the wonders he combined 

In aisles of jewelled sheen. 
The sisters cherished harmony; 

While gnomes and elves became 
The truest allies: jubilee 

Was held in domes of flame. 
The elves returned to deck their grot ; 

But oft, at sunset hour. 
They seek a well-remembered spot, — 

Secui'e in magic power, — 
And hail the gnomes as brother sprites; 

The fleets unite in o-lee, 
And heroes chant immortal lights, 

Around the gleaming sea ! 

180 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 



A land of mountains, rising liigli 

In glorious, sjdvan pride. 
Where palms and oranged^lossoms vie 

With fountains sparkling wide : 
There, rivers leap, with silvery glance, 

Adown the cliffs sublime, 
While Phoebus hurls his brightest lance 

To stay the flight of Time : 
A fairy city gilds the air, 

Beside the rippling sea. 
In glowing beauty, weird and rare. 

From every trouble free ! 

181 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Fairy Queen, that ruled alone 

This Paradise of light, 
.Through all the tropic isles was known, 

And every elfin knight 
Desired to win her favour ; yet 

In vain they nobly strove : 
The Queen could not her rank forget, 

Howe'er tlieir plans they wove : 
In flower of early, l)looming grace. 

Sweet love was all unknown : 
And, when they })raised her beaming face. 

She bade them leave her throne. 
The Elf King, only, seemed to })lease ; 

But he, engrossed in tliought. 
Scarce visited these distant seas, 

While proudest deeds he wrought ; 
His fame throngli fairy land was known. 

And, from each dreamy shore. 
Kings visited Earth's })alm3' zone 

To bear liis wondrous lore. 

182 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

Full jf)3'full3' the years rolled on 

Ainid the coral isles : 
Wliere elves and gnomes had warred, anon 

Blithe Hope's enchanting smiles 
Adorned each day with })romised bliss ; 

Till checked by rumored tales, 
That wizard guards had been remiss 

While swept the Eastern gales. 
The Fairj' Queen's fair, distant land, 

Wliere she in beauty reigned 
Along the mighty ocean's strand. 

Had strangely been profaned : 
The winds had Ijorne a daring race 

Of Grenii o'er the sea ; 
From Afric shores they came a})ace, 

To rule those islands free ; 
Their legions swept the trembling air, 

That flamed before their course, 
While fairy nations, in despair. 

Bemoaned their tyrant force ! 

183 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Altliougli the Queen had rarely seen 

The Elf King's noble air, 
She ever praised a knightly mien 

Til at seemed new foes to dare ; 
And strange disaster threatened now, 

Since evil spirits came 
On wings of cloud, with wicked vow, 

To wrap tlie isles in ilame. 
Iler loving fairies thronged around 

The peai'ly palace-gate 
To pray the Queen, for wit renowned, 

To save them from a fate 
A})palling e'en to sprites, or send 

The King an embassj-, 
Tliat should their direful state commend 

And urge a piteous plea. 
The l)riniant Fairy Queen re})lied : 
" Since peril threatens now. 
Embassadors shall cross the tide. 

And all our cause avow ; 

184 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

For every Island Power must rise 

To check tlie dreadful foe 
That, sweeping from the Eastern skies, 

Has filled our land with woe. 
The great Enchanter, that resides 

Within our ha})pY realm. 
Shall bring the Elf King ; who divides 

With him the })ower to whelm 
Our foes in raging seas of fire ; 

But our Magician great 
Must first arrest our foemen's ire. 

That would overwhelm our State." 
She bade her courtiers seek the cave 

Where dwelt the Seer old. 
Beside the glowing, Southern wave, 

And all her plan unfold : 
The Queen revered the wisdom deep 

For which he well was famed ; 
Ilis magic charmed the surges' sweep, 

And oft the lightnings tamed. 

185 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The fairies sought the dreamy vale 

Enchanted by his spell ; 
Though loth to greet the vernal gale, 

He left his ancient cell. — 
Before the Queen he bowed the knee, 

And prayed he]- kindle fires 
Along tlie hills that touched the sea. 

Then watch the flaming pyres ; 
Until the Genii should perceive 

The light, and dream l:)rave arms 
Were ready foemen to receive. 

And cease their loud alarms. 
The flames leaped uj^ along the shore. 

As though in proud disdain ; 
And soon a car of dragons bore 

Their master o'er the main. 
The Wizard sought the Elfin grot. 

Where council grave was held ; 
They called the Gnome King to the S})ot, 

Who oft in war excelled. 

186 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

The noble allies then agreed 

To lead tlieir armies brave, 
And follow, with all knightly speed. 

Across the gleaming wave. 
The great Enchanter shook his locks, 

Which thought had touched with white. 
And said : "I guard our island rocks, 

Through vigils of the night, 
With fires to mock the Genii's arms. 

As though a mighty force 
Were marshalled, by our potent charms, 

Where trumjiets mutter hoarse ; 
But soon their spies may learn the truth. 

And then our mountains fair 
No more will guard eternal youth, 

When fays new chains will wear : 
Thy troops should cross the wave with me. 

Or else, most mighty King, 
My car shall bear thee o'er the sea 

With swiftest dragon's wing ; 

187 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Then, by tliy art, we may contrive 

To stern tliis torrents mit'lit, 
And, when tL}^ armies vast arrive, 

Sliall i)ut tlie foe to fliglit ! " 
The Monarch deemed tliis judgment good 

And bade his favorite Elf, 
Who war's array well understood, 

To lead the hosts, himself ; 
But when the gnomes for battle came. 

Their Chieftain would command, 
Until the Elf King should proclaim 

The hour for conflict grand. 
The Ellin knights assembled round. 

When swelled the trumpet's call, 
And hailed the stirring, martial sound. 

That sent a thrill through all : 
The Gnome King hastened to })repare 

His fleet, and warriors bra\e ; 
While ever}' hero longed to share 

These perils o'er the wave. 

188 



THE QUEEN or THE FAIKIES. 

The clrao-ons swiftly bore the Kino-, 

And tlieir Enchanter old, 
Upon the l)ahnY gales of S})nng, 

To where they niiglit behold 
The Genii gathered for the fraj, 

Along an endless plain, 
III frowning ranks, with prond display. 

Beside the silyery main. 
They towered, as to reacli tlie skies, 

A gloomy phalanx bold, 
And seemed all riyals to despise, 

In numbers vainly told. 
Their Sultan's tent was formed of clouds, 

Of gorgeous rainbow dyes ; 
His satraps l^raye, in brilliant croW'ds, 

Were Afrites, tried and wdse ; 
They left their native shore to seek 

New haunts across the sea. 
And brought an army fierce, to wreak 

Their vengeance on the free. 

189 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Elf Kino; and Enclianter rode 

Along the mountain heights, 
And viewed the fires that brightly glowed ; 

Then, with mysterious lights, 
Deceived tlie Genii, till they deemed 

The mountains filled with foes, 
And closer drew their lines, and seemed 

To dare them to disclose 
Their warlock garrison ; but now, 

While trumpets answering blew. 
The King, upon the n^iountain's brow. 

Displayed enchantments new : 
Strange phantoms seemed to pace tlie heights. 

In forms of giant size. 
And armed as thouirh colossal knio;hts, 

Tliat guarded some fair prize. 
The Genii gathered round their King, 

And marvelled at the scene ; 
For dragons came, on fiery wing, 

And dashed their ranks between : 

190 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

That Monarch sent a herald bold 

To snminon down the foe, 
Where stretched the plain for miles untold, 

To render blow for blow. 
The A f rite, who advanced with pride, 

Was clad in tio-er skin, 
A golden trumpet by his side, 

That parley might begin : 
He sounded thrice, and silence fell 

Along the hills and vales ; 
Then shouted to a sentinel 

Across the quiet dales. 
The old Enchanter rose to meet 

The sound of martial tread. 
And, with his dragons, swept to greet 

The Afrite's pinions red. 
The herald's wings, of sanguine hue, 

Were folded by his side. 
While boldly now his trump he blew. 

And thus the King defied : 

191 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

'• From Afric sliores we come," lie said, 
" To dwell within tliis isle, 
All foes before our mareli have lied. 

As ye shall soon, awhile : 
Submit to our imperial yoke. 

And ye will wrath dispel ; 
But the}' new terrors will invoke 

Whoever dare rebel ! " 
lie gazed in scorn ujion tlie foe. 

Expecting all would fly. 
And thus prevent an idle blow. 

When might like his drew nigh. 
The grave Enchanter answered well : 
' ' I bear thy terms severe 
To our fair Sovereign's citadel. 

Who graciously will hear 
Whate'er is righteous ; but, until 

I come with her reply. 
Let royal truce thy words fuUil, 

Or we 3'our arms defy ! " 

192 



THE QUEEX OF THE FAIRIES. 

The Afrite viewed the pliantoms stride 

Along the frowning heights, 
Where wizard armies seemed to glide 

As flames illumed their rites. 
He said : " Our mighty master will 

Allow thy humble jirayers ; 
But let thy words new fears instil — 

No foes escape our snares." 
The great Enchanter wislied for time 

To bring the elves and gnomes, 
Tn numl)ers vast, from every clime, 

To guard these fairy homes. 
He said : " Withdraw your armv grand, 

While I will seek the Queen; " 
Then gave his dragons proud command. 

And sought the fi\<j serene. 
Full well he knew that none would yield 

And urged his wondrous car, 
To warn the Monarch who could wield 

Brave legions from afar. 

193 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

He soon rejoined the Elfin King ; 

Tlien, borne on wings of tiaine, 
They readied tlie paLace gate, to bring 

Their sclienie and truce prochiini. 



A sound of fairy music swelled 

Across the moonlit sea, 
Where sailed the fleets, their charms compelled, 

Beside the King's decree : 
Witli panoply of war tliere came 

The Gnome King's ship of pearl ; 
His standard was a golden flame, 

That streamed in mystic whirl. 
The fleet soon anchored off the })ort, 

Beside the silver stairs, 
Where gathered all the splendid court, 

Relieved from anxious cares. 
The Fair}' Queen came down to greet 

Her brave defenders well, 

194 



THE QUEEX OF THE FAIRIES. 

-Eejoieed tlie Elfin King to meet, 

Who conld tlieir fate foretell. 
She sat n}ton a i'nl»y thi-one, 

Beside the waters bine, 
While warriors, in a shinino- zone, 

Avowed their fealty true. 
The old Enchanter knelt before 

The lovel}^ Fairy's feet, 
And said : "My Sovereign, we adore 

Tliy goodness, and entreat 
A kind attention to the plan 

TheElf King will nnf old: 
Xo wiser Monarch e'er began 

A war with ontlaws bold." 



All hailed the hero of the scene, 
And longed to hear his voice, 

As, clad in mail of dazzling sheen, 
His smile made all rejoice. 

195 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Elf King viewed tlie Fairy Queen, 

Wliose Leauty clianned liis lieart, 
And, with a gallant, courteous mien. 

Began : '' I will ini])art 
To thee, crowned sister, how this strife 

Should Ijest conducted be ; 
For well I trust, while we have life, 

No foe to liberty 
AVithin our ranks will dare arise 

To court these Genii fierce, 
Whose mocking words we may despise, 

Until their ranks we })ierce. 
Onr l)est enchantments are required 

To ineet their onset wild; 
But mystic arts I have acquired 

That foes have oft Ijcguiled : 
The noble Gnome will bid the flames 

Arise beneath their tread, 
AVhile I defeat their lofty aims 

Where mountains rise o'erhead ; 

196 



THE QUEEX OF THE FAIRIES. 

My elves t^liall aid me guard the heights, 

Tlie fleet will watch the sea, 
While drasfons soar, with darino- flio-hts, 

To keep the lieavens free." 
The Queen responded: "Might}- King, 

Thy prowess well is known, 
And terror wide thy arms will bring 

To guard my jieaceful throne ; 
But I must tremble for thee still. 

For such all-dangerous foes 
Were never known, and all thy skill 

Will scarceh- ward their blows ; 
And thou, most gallant Gnome, beware ! 

Thy flames must breatlie surprise ; 
For Eblis sends these sha|)es of air 

That seek our happy skies." 
She looked, with an approving smile. 

Where, decked in armor bright 
Of scarlet hue, he leaned the while 

IT})on a sword of might. 

197 



FATUY TALES OF THE ^I'EOPICS. 

Tlio Giioiiio King answered: ''Gracious Queen I 

T\\v llames ol)ey me well: 
But 1 iiiust haste, these I'ocks between, 

Ami seek a hery cell, 
\Vli(T(' I will all vny }i(^wer assert. 

Wlicnc'ei- tlie signal-call 
Sliall hid my slaves their nught exei't 

Within p]arth's flaming hall: 
]\rv Clianipion will the force divide, 

And guard onr ilanks hv sea, 
AVhilf 1 repair, the iire to guide, 

Wliri'c none may follow me." 
lie sti-nck the ground, and yanished soon; — 

And now the Ellfin King 
Declai-('<1 the tiaice must end by noon: 

T\\(']\ bade his armv bring 
Their gallant force to guard the mount 

Where })hantom sentries moved: 
Tlie Champion Gnome would there recount 

His plans, while he ap})royed. 

198 



THE QUEEX OF THE FAIRIES. 

They seek the mount, and soon coniljiiie 
The manner of the tioht : 

O 

The fleet should sweep,'in glittei-in^;- line, 

To watch the Genii's fliglit : 
If they audaciously should striw 

To gain the })alace fair, 
Cloud signals would the war revive 

And bid the elves beware. 
The Monarch bade the sprites prcjiare 

The mountains for the fray, 
By piling trees, in high mid-air. 

In terrible array. 
By potent spells, their powers a\ail('d 

To guard the summits well ; 
That, wheresoe'er the Genii scaled, 

AVith shout, and purpose fell. 
The Ellin cohorts should roll down 

Their avalanches vast 
From off the rocky summits" crown, 

Like rushing of the blast. 

199 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Day dawned wliile yet tliey l)ra\'ely toiled 

And now the Genii's camp 
Eesonnded, as tlie Afrites spoiled 

The plain, where va})onrs damp 
Arose to veil their ardor tierce, 

And rent the trees with scorn. 
To wield the forests that slionld pierce 

Their wav that sullen morn. 



The peace was o'er, and now the foe, 

In shining columns dense. 
Advanced, as when the deserts glow 

With moving shafts immense : 
Their ranks extended o'er the plain 

In masses, vast and grim, 
AVith hashing wdngs, while fierce disdain 

Could not such grandeur dim. 
A giant host the forests bore, 

And u}) the rocky steep 

200 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

They proud] }• rose, their King before, 

Beside a river s leap 
That swept the heights with rush and roar 

Then halted to prepare 
A dreadful onset; and, Avith more 

Than courage, rent the air 
With demon shouts to awe the foe : 

While their majestic King 
Arrayed thein for a deadl}' l)low, 

And furled each scarlet wing ; 
His ej'^es were lightnings, and his voice 

In thunder seemed to roll, 
As now he bade his slaves rejoice, 

And storm their mountain-"oal ! 



The mighty Genii grandly braved 
The dark and rugged way; 

The Elf King then his sceptre waved, 
To daunt the vast array : — 

201 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Witli crash and din, came rolling down 

The avalanches dread, 
And, heeding not the Genii's frown. 

Swept through their legions' head. 
They halted, then pressed on amain. 

And hurled the woods on high, 
As though, with impious courage vain, 

To reach the vaulted sky ; 
But, undismayed by crash of trees. 

With hurtling bough and limb, 
The Elf King bade his ally seize 

The power decreed to him ; — 
And burning streams of lava red 

Poured down the heights sublime ; 
The fiery rivers grandlj' sped : 

'T was their appointed time ! 
The Afrites cleft the flaming way ; 

But mj^stic Geysers rose. 
And whelmed their ranks, till new dismay 

Dispirited their blows : 

202 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

They tlien retreated to the plain, 
Where counsel, weird and grave, 

Was held till eve ; for all in vain 
Ap})eared their onset brave. 



The Elf King saw their plan, and called 

The Wizard, old and wise, 
With his great all}', and forestalled 

The foe's wild enterprise : 
• The Genii threaten dangers new : " 

He said, "to-morrow's sun 
Will see them cloud the welkin blue. 

But not our arms to shun. 
Thev come as powers of the air ; 

And thou. Magician true, 
Must bi'ing a host of dragons there 

That shall the light renew : 
Our warriors will these coursers ride. 

And, with their wings of lii'e, 

203 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Our arms sliall crusli tlie Genii's pride, 
Howe'er they may as[)iro."' 



Within the fairy pahice, joy 

AVas blent that eve with fear; 
The beauteous Queen couhl not empLiy 

Her thoughts within the spliere 
She graced, and said : "^ly noble friends 

Have warred this day to save 
My kingdom ; and, since Night descends 

Across the moonlit wave, 
]\[y crescent car, in l)eamy guise, 

Shall bear me to the camp. 
To see the host of elves arise 

From mountain mosses damp." 
She bade her chosen fairies ride 

Winged coursers in her train. 
While all the court, with joyous pride, 

Flew near her glowing rein. — 

204 



THE QUEEX OF THE FAIRIES. 

The dreamy pageant rose on high, 

And sought the mountains fair. 
To greet the army of the sky, 

And grateful bliss to share. 
The Elfin myriads rose to meet 

The gracious Fairy Queen ; 
And heroes knelt before her feet, 

While she, in starry sheen, 
Declared them knights, and })raised their deeds 

She prayed the King receive 
Her thanks, and urge his dragon steeds. 

Lest foemen should retrieve 
Their loss when morning shed its light; 

Then turned her magic car, 
And left the warriors in delight. 

To seek her throne afar. 
The gallant elves prepared to meet 

The Afrites' pinions wide, 
And dragons crouched before their feet 

To soar with heroes tried. 

205 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The morning dawned, and o'er tlie })lain 

Appeared a wondrous siglit : 
The Genii rose in ehjud}' train, 

Whose wings threw shades of night; 
Hieir King was crowned witli rays of light, 

And hurled the lightnings dread. 
While thunders rolled around his flight. 

And flame glowed 'neath his tread ; 
His wings were vast, and drove the wind, 

That rushed in gales away ; 
His ser})ent locks shot fire behind, 

His glance defied the day ; 
He led his legions tlirough the air 

To take the frownijjg heiglits : — 
A dauntless host soon hrought despair. 

They soared in awful flights. 
The Elf King rode a dragon bold, 

Whose wings eclipsed the sun, 
Wliile liery waves around it rolled, 

x\.nd clouds of vapours dun : 

206 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

That Monareli bore a lance of flame, 

And, with liis armies brave, 
Assailed the Genii as they came 

His country to enslave : 
The drao'on's scales resisted all 

The lightning's angry power. 
His burning breath could well appal 

These demons of the hour : 
The Elf King boldly met the foe, 

And hurled liis javelins bright. 
Till all the ether seemed aglow 

With flames of rapid flight. 
The Genii's Sultan found the fire 

Surpassed his utmost force. 
And, darting lightnings in his ire, 

Was baffled in his course : 
The dragon's wungs compelled his might 

To yield, and in dismay 
He turned his head to wildly smite 

The monster from his way. 

207 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Tlie Elf King launched a magic dart, 

That smote his iiery eves, 
^\.nd, blinded 1)y this potent art, 

He fled the fatal skies : 
Ilis Afrites then retreated shnv 

Before the elves and gnomes, 
Whose dragon steeds, with wondrous glow. 

Now saved their mountain homes : 
Thej drove the endless legions l)ack 

With fierce, relentless sweep, 
^Vnd deadly flames illumed their track ; 

Till, near tlie ocean deep, 
'^riie Genii sought their cloudy camp. 

When, Ijy their King's command, 
A truce was sounded, ere the lamp 

Of dav had left the land. 



The victors met in conclave now 
The Ellin King foretold, 

208 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

Tliat, on tlie morrow, when their vow 

Of truce no more would hoh:! 
Its virtue, battle, dark and grim, 

Should well be waged anew ; 
And Nature's powers would succor him 

The ocean, deep and blue. 
Arrayed in fearful tidal-wave, 

Should tlien the Genii whelm; 
And soon the seas would wildly rave. 

Where glittered spear and helm. 



The morning broke, the truce was o'er; 

While now the blinded King 
Displayed his Genii on the shore, 

With hanghty crest and wing : 
He bade the host. Ids scej^tre swayed. 

Storm every height with spears ; 
But, at a signal, part should aid 

Their valorous compeers 

200 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

By rising in the air, despite 

The dragons' dangerous power, 
And, sweeping round with rapid fiiglit. 

Should reach the fairies' bower. 
Tlie Afrites moved like whirlwinds on ; 

But suddenh' the plain 
Became a lake of fire : anon, — 

While yet, with fierce disdain. 
They braved the fiery waves that rose 

To wdielm them in their course. 
And, breathing storms around their foes, 

Used ever}^ dread resource, — • 
There came across the mighty sea 

A tidal-wave sublime. 
That rose, by Nature's proud decree. 

To ravage that fair clime : 
It grandly rolled, with crest of foam 

And mane of surges wild. 
With awful force, from tempests' home, 

Like mountains skyward piled, 

210 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

And struck tlie island wliere tlie fire 

Eolled down to meet the deep ; 
Then, rising in majestic ire, 

With thundering roll and sweep, 
Encountered that vast sea of flame 

In all unheard-of strife. 
Till scalding vapours overcame 

The Genii's courage rife. 
Thej fled before the fiery surge, 

And sought a distant shore. 
To shun this all-destructive scourge. 

And meet such foes no more. 
The Elf King's art protected well 

The Fairy Queen's domain, 
And, by his jDotent ban and spell. 

The surges strove in vain 
To reach the bloomy region where 

The faj's securely dwelt. 
Unharmed by all the powers of air, 

Though strange alarm they felt. 

211 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

Througlioiit the day the}'- watched the heig-hts, 

Or gazed across the sea 
To catch the gleam of signal lights 

From gnomes, that they might flee. 
Be^'ond the mountain range they heard 

The roar of onset wild, 
And saw the flames the summits gird. 

Where elves the foe beguiled ; 
But when the distant ocean rose 

With terrt)rs unforeseen, 
Though surging billows whelmed their foes, 

The}^ feared their foaming sheen. 
The charming Queen implored the Fire, 

AVithin a temple grand, 
And prayed to quell the Genii's ire. 

That sought to spoil the land : 
Her subjects thronged around the shrine. 

To join their |)rayers to save 
The mystic realm, of 1)1 iss divine, 

From that a])palling wave : 

212 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

"Ye Powers sn})reme/' they wildly sang, 
" Watcli o'er this dreadful scene, 
Protect our country from the clang 

Of arms, and rise between 
The tide and our dear city fair, 

Where joy and peace al)Ound, 
Lest cruel anguish and despair 

In fairydand he found ! " 
On pinions bright a yision came, 

Pesplendent from the field, 
To breathe the tale, that wayes and flame 

Plad made the Genii yield : 
" The nol)le Kings have sayed the day ; " 

It cried, "the foe has fled; 
And soon, in joyous, proud array, 

Shall sound our armies' tread : 
They come, in conquest's joyful hour, 

Triumphant from the fray ; 
Then let 3'our praise resound in power. 

And bless their ranks to-day ! " 

213 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The pearl}" city rang its bells 

Witli joy for victory won : 
Like insects swarming from their cells, 

The fays extolled the sun 
That shone upon such conquering arms; 

And sylphs prepared to meet 
The heroes whom their Sovereign's charms 

Inspired : the magic fleet 
Sailed up to land the gnomes, who hailed 

Their Monarch's wondrous power ; 
That had by raging flames a^-ailed. 

In peril's darkest hour, 
To crush the dreaded Genii's might: 

Thc}^ blessed the Elf King, too, 
Whose wisdom put the foe to flight, 

And Nature's secrets knew. 
The Court moved on, along the tide. 

To meet the warriors bold ; 
Wliile gnomes and fays in songs replied, 

The paths were strewn with gold : 

214 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

The Fairy Queen was borne in state 

To greet the alUcd Kings 
Who saved her from such direful fate ; 

And hope illumed her wings ; 
For well she saw the Elf King prized 

Her radiant beauty rare, 
And, blushing deep, she now surmised, 

His love she well could share. 
With sound of trumpets came the troops. 

In pageantry and pride, 
And marched along the fair}' groups. 

That each in blessings vied : 
While, in a car by griffins drawn. 

Advanced the Elfin King, 
Who, those fierce days, from early dawn. 

Had never ceased to bring 
New forces boldly into play ; 

And, by his brilliaat power. 
Had been the hero of each day 

In battle's wildest hour. 

215 



FAIEY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

The Elf King met the loveh' Queen, 

Who crowned his valiant brow 
With choicest laurel wreaths: his mien 

Was glorious ; and now 
He smiled as heroes only can, 

And prayed her be his bride. 
The Queen rejoiced, and soon began 

To shape, with virgin pride, 
A noble answer ; then a blush 

Adorned her beauteous face. 
As, low and sweet, she whispered : "Hush ! 

I grant thee. King, thy grace." 
The meteor chariots rose in state 

To gain the jialace height, 
Where gathered soon those Monarchs great, 

In victors' j^omp and might: 
Through jewelled panes, of every hue, ■ 

A s})lendor filled the hall, 
Where opal columns met the view, 

And emerald thrones for all ! 

216 



THE QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES. 

A dragon sped across tlie wave 

To bring the Pontiff grand ; 
Who came, upon that fierj slave, 

To bless this fairy -land : 
He brought, with sylphids in their train, 

The Queen that ruled the gnomes. 
And that sweet Fay who could disdain 

A crown, from joj'ous homes. 
The bridal pageant decks the eve, 

Winged legions hover bright 
Where mountain crests and towers receive 

A panoply of light ; 
The golden domes all beaming glow, 

While palaces aspire 
To blaze with diadems, and show 

Weird battlements of fire. 
The Pontiff blessed the Eoyal pair 

Before the brilliant Court, 
And then, while incense filled the air, 

The tranquil sea the}^ sought : 

217 



FAIRY TALES OF THE TROPICS. 

A magic bark, with diamond oars, 

Awaits the lovers twain, 
Who leave the dazzling, golden shores 

To cross the peaceful main. 
The Tritons blow the nuptial horn. 

And, riding dolphins proud, 
With torches red their course adorn, 

Until, from veil of cloud, 
The moon bursts out in radiance mild, 

And silvers o'er the deep. 
While sounds a fairj music wild. 

That lulls the waves to sleep. 
They float away to palmy isles. 

Where raptured hours will fly, 
While Elfin glory, bliss beguiles. 

Beneath the trojoic sky. 



218 



THE OCEAN. 

A SONG OF TEIUMPH. 



My iceberg fleet ne'er knew defeat ! 

The boundless Ocean cried, 
Like castled rocks, thej^ breast tbe sliocks 

Of my advancing tide ; 
I float their spires in sunset fires 

That gild the toppling chain ; 
Like emeralds' shine, their glorious line 

Adorns my swelling main : 
The glittering heights, like phantom knights, 

Watch o'er my gleaming rest. 
Where glacial streams elude the beams 

That warm my sovereign breast : 
The mariners fear the ice-fields drear. 

That crush the good ship's side, 
While cloud and mist obedient list, 

And stars refuse to guide ; — 

219 



THE OCEAN. 

But weaiy grown I claim my own, 

And sink the monsters dread, 
Though storm and sun have scarce begun 

To woo each giant head. 
My rivers cold are grandly rolled 

To soothe the Tropics' glow ; 
And clieer the isles, enwreathed m smiles, 

Where gales of spices blow : 
While palm trees bend, and greetings send. 

In verdant majesty, 
Flows, swift and wide, my balmy tide, 

To thrill each Polar sea. 

Night soars to wield her radiant shield, 

I rise, entranced, to greet. 
And silvery waves array as slaves 

For Dian's chaste retreat : 
She is my Queen ! with ardent mien 

I follow, as she flies ; 



220 



A SONG OF TRIUMPH. 

Her splendors bright my course invite, 

Beneatli the dazzling skies. 
When waked to bliss by Apollo's kiss 

My vapours mount on high, 
They spurn the Earth in celestial mirth, 

And snow-clad j)eaks defy : 
Where glaciers glow, floods sweep below. 

As flames the meteor star ; 
Like angels' flight, these dreailis of light 

Salute my surge afar. 

My throne I rear where sailors fear 

Nor storm nor whirlwind wild. 
Sublime expanse defies the glance 

Of lightning — tempest's child : 
There, islands gem my diadem. 

While far I spread my sway 
In mighty seas more wild than these. 

That continents obey. 



221 



THE OCEAN. 

Mj fearless arms invoke tlie charms 

The fierce tornado weaves ; 
I jo J in storms' majestic forms, 

Though peace my bosom leaves : 
I love the cyclone of the Torrid Zone, 

And arise in robes of pride 
With a crown of spray, till the King of Day 

Is hidden beneath my tide : 
I lash the strand, and assail the land 

With crested legions vast. 
While breakers rave, and the thundering wave 

Is hurled before the blast. 
I hail the fires of Vulcan's pyres. 

And pour my torrents in 
To raging rise and brave the skies 

When Titan wars begin. 
The globe is mine, with power divine 

Around the world I roll. 
And wield a might from realms of light 

To each ice-guarded pole ! 

222 



A LEG-END OF VESUVIUS. 



A maiden stood on Capri's isle, 

And watclied, witli soft, ingenuous smile. 

The wavelets tbn'obbino; beat : 
Where rolled, with slow, majestic sweep. 
The surges of the classic deep 

That glowed beneath her feet. 



II. 



"Vesuvius is lulled to rest," 
She murmured; "if the saints arrest 

The dreadful mountain's power. 
No more we '11 view on yonder shore 
The fiery torrents raging pour. 

All Nature to devour." 



223 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 



III. 



A throng of merry peasants came 

To where she watched the morning flame 

Beneath Aurora's tread ; 
They paused beside a ruined pile, 
With tambourine, and danced the wliile 

The dawn's red glories fled. 



IV. 



The Tarantella's merrj^ sound 
Re-echoed from the hills around, 

As many a dancer vied, 
In joyous bounds, with light gazelle ; 
While gallant swains would fondly tell 

Where stood the island's pride. 



224 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 



V. 



T]ie maiden whom tliey lionored so 
Enjoyed the early morning's glow ; 

She cared not for the dance ; 
Her fancy soared beyond the sphere 
She sweetly filled ; no youth was dear 

For whom she deigned a glance. 



vi. 



The young Antonio hopeless viewed 
The charmer who his will subdued ; 

Teresa would not smile 
On his impetuous, wayward zeal ; 
And oft he, raging, stamped his heel. 

And cursed his want of guile. 

225 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 

VII. 

Then, in the dance's wildest wliirl 
lie plunged, to find no lieauteons girl 

Could ever be compared 
Witli this enchanting tyrant fair: 
Whate'er his faults, he could not share 

The love his heart declared. 



VIII. 

He soon drew near the maiden fair, 
And seemed to watch with envious air 

When breezes kissed her cheek, 
Or fanned her glossy, raven locks ; 
Then clambered o'er the nearest rocks 

Iler faintest smile to seek. 



226 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 



IX. 



Why looks Teresa on the bay, 

Nor joins tlie dance, the livelong da}^? " 

He whispered, half in jest. 
The thoughtful maiden answered not, 
And soon Antonio left the spot 

With burnino- in his breast. 



X. 



Across the lovely bay she viewed, 
As though a dream its flight pursued, 

A brilliant pageant glide ; 
Where gilded barges seemed to shine 
In long and glittering, golden line. 

That graced the sparkling tide. 



227 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 



XL 



"The conquering Normans come again," 
She sighed, " and now these worst of men 

The Pope a captive lead : 
What means this regal pageantry ? 
And whither can we vainly flee ? 
May Heaven our terrors heed ! " 



XIL 



The wondrous bay, in glory's pride. 
Now glowed in sunlight, as the tide 

Rolled up the rocky strand 
Where dark Vesuvius frowning stood. 
With vineyards clad o'er many a rood, 

But threatening the land. 



228 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XIII. 

The stately argosy drew near, 
And soon she dashed away a tear ; 

For, on a gorgeous prow, 
A monarch's diadem was seen 
To shine, the courtier ranks between, 

Upon a noble brow. 



XIV. 

" Is this King Koger? " said the maid, 
" That warrior bold, who armies swayed 
When Holy Mother Church 
Compelled him to resign the realm 
He won by force ? that royal helm 
Deserved his anxious search." 



229 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 



XV. 



'T was Naples' King who souglit the isle, 
His cares of state to soothe awhile 

On Capri's dreamy shore : 
Where glows an azure grot divine, 
Like sapphires in a silver mine, 

Beyond the snrges' roar. 



XVI. 

The maiden oft admired the cave 
That gleams beside the dancing wave : 

She watched, with anxious thought, 
As, through the grotto's low-browed arch, 
While hautboys played a gallant march, 

The Kins: its wonders sous-ht. 



230 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 

XVII. 

Beside the Monarcli sat a youth, 
Who chained her, by his loolc of truth 

And manly courage bold ; 
The diadem soon lost its charm, 
For love awoke a new alarm. 

With visions bright, untold. 



XVIII. 

The handsome knight who won her gaze, 
Until she felt a sweet amaze, 

Was clad in shining mail ; 
Ilis helmet on a cushion lay. 
And, as they glided o'er the bay, 

His voice entranced the gale. 



231 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XIX. 

Witliin the grotto's azure walls - 
The Monarch on each courtier calls 

For roundelay and song ; 
But when young Carlo's voice resounds, 
The cavern seems to lose its bounds, 

As echoes, answering, throng. — 



XX. 



Antonio seeks Teresa's face. 

He sees her blush, with winsome grace. 

As sweeps the pageant by ; 
AYhile all the peasants rush to view 
The King, as, o'er the waters blue, 

Like birds, the barges fly. 



232 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XXI. 

The Royal party brave a height 

That frowns to dare the hillows' mio!:ht 

And gaze across the foam 
To where Vesuvius warns tlie gay, 
That judgment sits Ijeside the bay, 

Tliough beauty gilds each home. 



XXII. 

A towering cloud is seen to rise. 
Like Eblis challenging the skies, 

While hoarse the mountain roars : 
The Norman turns to seek his barge, 
And hastes to quit the rocky marge 

That girds fair Cajjri's shores. 



233 



A LEGEXD OF VESUVIUS. 

XXIII. 

The peasant maiden came to sliow 
The speediest path to shores below ; 

Ilcr heauty cliarmed the King; 
And, drawing off a costly gem, 
lie said : "My royal diadem 

Is worthier than this ring-; 



XXIV. 



"But yet, fair maiden, wear the toy: 
The world shall not thy peace annov, 
Though kingly gifts be great." — 
The knight beholds the lovely maid. 
And love's sweet ho])es Ins heart invade, 
That seal his early fate. 



234 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 

XXV. 

He gazed in rapture on a face 
Where Nature lavisliecl everj^ grace, 

Till dawned a roseate liue, 
All o-lowins;, like tlie blush of morn : 
From lustrous orbs, a glance of scorn 

The slitterinu' bauble drew. 



XXVI. 

"Ah ! had I only crossed the bay," 
lie thought, "before this startling day. 

And that sweet maiden fair 
Should then have bluslied to see my face, 
Or smiled, as now, with charming grace, — 
What would not lovers dare ! 



235 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XXVII. 

"I miglit liave dwelt witli lier alone ; 
The world had drifted on unknown 

To hearts as true as ours ; 
Or my good sword had won a throne, 
Where she in beauty would have shone, 

Who strewed my path with flowers." 



XXVIII. 

The Monarch bids the maiden leave 
Iler native isle, nor fondly grieve 

If parents -sigh in vain, 
And follow with the brilliant Court ; 
That gleaming barks will soon transport 

To brave the fire's reiiiu. 



23G 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XXIX. 

The kniglit rejoiced to hear her doom ; 
For now, he trusted, in the gloom 

That shrouded all the bay, 
The lovely prize might fall his lot ; 
And then the Church should tie the knot 

No king could rend away. 



XXX. 

Sir Carlo ! " said the King, with pride, 
• As down this rocky, mountain side, 

To reach the sea we go, 
I charge thee, watch the maiden well ; 
But guard thee from her witching spell 
And love's enchanting glow." 



237 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 

XXXI. 

The kniglit obeyed liis Monarch's will ; 
But fair Teresa, grieving still 

On quitting friends and home, 
O'ercanie his earnest, loyal thonght ; 
And soon his heart all eao;er soiio'ht 

In kindred paths to roam. 



XXXII. 

"Perhaps," he dreamed, "the King will soon 
Forget the maid, and, if the boon 

Be craved by gallant knight. 
He yet may pardon if we fly : 
At worst, a warrior can but die 

Though braving regal might." 



238 



A LEGEXD OF YESUYIUS. 
XXXIII. 

Whate'er liis ardent tliouglits can shape, 
The gnards allow her no escape ; 

And now the rojal barge 
Receives the maiden, weeping sore, 
As from the island's rocky shore 

The sailors bear their chars-e. 



XXXIY. 

The peasants sadly gathered ronnd 

"When King and guards had left the ground ; 

Antonio stoutly said : 
" I follow in my swiftest boat 
Where'er these barges gay may float, 

Though it should cost my head ! " 



239 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 

XXXV. 

Like swallow skimming o'er the sea, 
His boat then glances valiantly 

Along the golden waves; 
Teresa gazes on the l)ark, 
That follows toward the monntain dark, 

And every danger liraves. 



XXXVI. 

The hapless maiden sighed to think, 
Antonio would never shrink 

F]-om anght to win his way : 
"The gallant knight shall never know," 
She murmured, "why he haunts me so, 
Nor fears the King this dav." 



240 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XXXVII. 

While swiftly sped the barges' course, 
And courtiers vied in laughter hoarse, 

The King observed the knight. 
And saw he oft admired tlie maid, 
As though some saint appeared arraved 

In fair, celestial light. 



XXXVIII. 

The haughty Norman said: "Beware! 
Brave warrior, know that none can share 

That smile except thy King : 
Sweet maid, why seem so pensive now ? 
King Eoger yet -will deck tli}^ brow. 

And bid thee gaily sing." 



241 



A LEGEXD OF VESUTIUS. 
XXXIX. 

lY^resa raised lier lovely eyes, 

And trembling witli renewed surprise 

Replied: "Dread Monarch, grace! 
Permit a happy, dream}' maid 
To seek again the island shade 

Where dwells her fearless race." 



XL. 



The warriors laughed to hear her plea, 
And, gazing on the murmuring sea, 

She longed to end her woe 
By plunging 'neath tlie waters bright ; 
But thoughts of Carlo soothed her fright. 

And dreams of Eden's o-low. 



242 



A LEGEXD OF VESUVIUS. 
XLI. 

Across the bay the pageant flies, 
And soon proud Naples' towers arise, 

Illumed Ijy ruddy gleam. 
The courtiers land ; and then in haste 
The Monarch seeks the dreary waste 

Where lava currents stream. 



XLII. 

A haughty zeal compels his grace 
To subjects, who the Norman race 

Obey witli loyal pride; 
The lava threatens hamlets fan-. 
And thither swift he would repair. 

To save them from its tide. 

243 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 

XLIII. 

Now, roars the mountain in its might, 
While clouds of ashes hasten night. 

And veil the verdant scene ; 
The Monarch brings the lovely maid 
To gaze where kings ma}" seem afraid 

Of Nature's fiercest mien. 



XLIV. 

The fearless knight beo'uiles the wav 
With man}^ a whispered roundelay, 

And tender, winning glance; 
The maiden smiles on him alone ; 
What youth, without a heart of stone, 

Would leave her fate to chance ! 



244 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XLV. 

While wings of darkness Veiled the noon, 
Antonio moored his bark, and soon 

O'ertook the loving pair ; 
Then wondered at Teresa's smile, 
Till cruel pangs he felt the while, 

Aroused by jealous care. 



XLVI. 

At length the wished-for moment came. 
When, gazing at the sea of flame. 

The courtiers watched no more ; 
For well the knight had wooed the maid, 
And, favored bj the gathering shade, 

They sought the distant shore. 



245 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XLVII. 

"Can we but gain the sea," tlie kiiiglit 
Soft whispered in their hasty flight, 

"A skiff will bear away. 
To distant climes from danger free, 
Two hearts that purest ecstasy 
Attunes this bridal day." 



XLVIII. 

Teresa, smiling, gave a o;lance 

For whicli a knight would break a lance 
In charge at tourney grim ; 

But soon the terrors of the day 

O'ercame her hopes, for strength gave way- 
She closer cluno; to him. 



246 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
XLIX. 

" My Carlo, leave me liere to die ; " 
She murmiired, " 't is in vain we fly ; 

And how could I atone 
For bringing jiain and grief on thee ? 
Ah, had I sunk in yonder sea, 

I should have died alone ! " 



The knight reproved her with a kiss ; 
And, stooping down, rej^lied : "Let this 

Kestore your courage true ; " 
With that, he bore her in his arms ; 
Though steep the way, Teresa's charms 

Aroused his powers anew. 



247 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 



LI. 



He soon consoled liis bloomino; l)ride, 
And vowed that never from her side 

Slionkl he be torn away : 
Then, down the monntain's rugged steep, 
They sought the glowing, azure deep 

And scenes of bris'liter dav. 



LII. 

Meanwhile, the peasants wildly pray 
The King to save their loved array 

Of happy household joys. 
As onward sweej^s the molten tide, 
And, spreading, raging far and wide, 

The vineyards' wealth destroys. 

248 



. A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
LIII. 

Tlie Norman missed his lovely prize, 
And fury glanced from Eoyal ej^es ; 

He souglit the pair in vain ; 
Until, at length, he saw the knight — 
'Mid flashes of the fiery light — 

Descending to the plain. 



LIV. 

He bears the charming maiden fair ;- 
But love heroic, fierce despair 

And knightly deeds are vain : 
The Monarch's faithful guards arrest 
Their flight while hastening to be blest 

With Hymen's mystic chain. 



249 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 



LV, 



Antonio led tlie winding wa}^ 

By wliicli the guards o'ertook their prey ; 

For, mad with jealous rage, 
He only tlioui-'ht to seize the knio-lit, 
And, aiding her to hasty fliglit, 

The maidens love enii'aixe. 



LVI. 

Young Caido draws his trust\' blade, 
And fio'hts to shield the tremblin"' maid,- 

Foi" well he knows the King ; 
But what can single courage do? 
He soon is seized, and fettered too 

Witli chains tlie vassals bring;. 



250 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
LVII. 

Teresa ! " said the valiant knight, 
I die before tlie close of night — 

No pardon 'waits my eyes ; 
Such love as ours will bloom again, 
But not amid the haunts of men — 

We meet in distant skies ! " 



LVIII. 

The maiden, fainting, scarcely knew 
Her fate ; for, as brave C;irlo drew 

His sword to guard his bride. 
She swooned, till soldiers gently bore 
The damsel fair, to weep before 

The Kins; her knio-ht defied. 



251 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
LIX. 

Ill vain slie praved the JSTorman's grace 
He praised tlie beaiitv of her face ; 

Then hade his courtiers stay 
Antonio for the service done ; 
But he had vanished, and begun 

A wanderer's Kfe that day. 



LX. 



Tlie King surveyed the kniglit witli scorn. 
While sword and S23urs were from liim torn 

He ordered wiUing slaves 
To hurl him from the lofty height — 
While rao-ed Vesuvius in its might — 

Amid the fiery waves ! 



252 



A LEGEND OF VESUVIUS. 
LXL 

The maiden viewed the dreadful scene ; 
Tlien, springing up with frenzied mien, 

She sought her lover's fate ; 
And, leaping from the mountain's crest, 
Perchance was wafted to the blest 

That enter Heaven's o;ate ! 



LXII. 



When raves Vesuvius in the night, 
The peasants whisper, with affright, 

That spirits haunt the scene ; 
A maiden calls across the gloom, 
And meets, beside their fiery tomb, 

A youth of gallant mieiL 

253 



ODE TO A COMET. 



Fair herald from tlie radiant spheres ! 
Siibhme thy starry front appears, 

Adorned with silvery flame ; 
Thy train resplendent shoots afar 
Like magic veil, or fairies' car 

When Merlin's legions came. 

II. 

Is thy briglit mission fraught with })eace? 
And shall her tranquil sway increase? 

"T would seem an olive l)ough 
That gleams in lio-ht across tlie sky, 
More fair than palm of victorv, 

As Niglit illumes thy brow. 



254 



ODE TO A COMET. 



III. 



What tidings from celestial halls 
Are graven on tliv scroll, that calls 

For Magi an eyes to read ? 
The burning orb that bids thee on 
Shall send its greetings proud, anon, 

The seraph host to lead. 



IV. 



Thy flaming sword betokens woe 
To hapless nations ; wondrous glow 

Is wreathed around the blade 
That shimmers in the trembling North 
Shall battle's trumpets summon forth 

Pale Strife, by thee arrayed? 



255 



ODE TO A COMET. 



V. 



Thy streamers seek tlie zenitli V)riglit, 
Like flashes of the Northern light, 

With weird, imperial sweep ; 
While, hastening to the Western sea, 
Th}^ banner, floating wild and free, 

Shall crest the mighty deep. 



VI. 



Dread standard of Eternity ! 

Since boundless space is naught to thee, 

What distant starry clime 
Shall next salute thy dazzling whirl, 
And see thee plunge where flames unfurl 

Suns' canopies sublime ? 



256 



ODE TO A COMET. 



VII. 



Farewell, majestic beacon-glow ! 
Celestial rivers beaming flow 

To greet tli v mystic raj : 
Soar flashing through the realms of night ; 
While stars exert their o;iant mig^lit 

To bend thee to their swav. 



VIII. 

If, circling round our destined home 
In shining worlds, thy star may roam 

And meet our raptured gaze. 
Soft gleams of Paradise thy train, 
We yet may hail that radiant chain 

Amid the Heavenly maze. 



257 



A liOMANCE OF AMALFI. 



How fair a spot the dreamy grot 

That overlooks the sea, 
Where quaint Amalti's ancient towers 
Arise from hloomj' orange-l)owers, 

That wreathe her mountains free ! 

II. 

When moonl)eams glow o'er seas below, 

Fond lovers seek the })lace 
To watch the silver orl) divine 
Adorn the waves, that softly shine 
In lines of trembling grace. 

258 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFI. 
III. 

A charminp: maid oft souglit its shade, 

To pray before the cross 
That spreads its arms to lead the soul 
To rise and seek the heavenl}' goal, 

Forgetting mortal loss. 

IV. 

She chose an hour when spirits' power 

Could not disturb her prayer; 
For early eve serenely smiled 
As she her lonely way l)eguiled 

With hymns to soothe her care. 

V. 

She mourned a youth she loved in sooth, 

AVho rudely had been torn 
From fondest friends ly corsairs l)old. 
And, o'er the sa25})hire watei's, sold 
For Moorish l)eck and scorn. 

259 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFI. 

VL 

A daring kniglit, with raptured sight, 
Oft watched the beauteous maid, 
As, cliarmed, she turned lier liquid eves 
To view the sunset leave the skies 
In gorgeous hues arrayed : 

VII. 

With flowers he strewed the cra2fo"v road 

Where'er her steps would glide, 
While oft the sound of sweet fyuitar 
Awoke the slumbering rocks afar. 
And cheered the mountain side. 

VIII. 

Bianca's home beside the foam 

With every grace was decked ; 
ller tower looked across the deep, 
As though the stones would vigils keep 
Where all her hoj^es were wrecked. 

260 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFT. 

IX. 

Luigi dwelt where mountains melt 

To clouds of fleecy white ; 
]^ut oft the gallant lover came 
To fan what seemed a hopeless flame 
And watch her footsteps light. 



Devotion vain could never gain 

A glance from her he sought ; 
•She dreamed of burning sands away, 
Where captives sighed the dreary day, 
While tasks severe they wrought. 

XL 

The years rolled by, a foreign sky 
By him she loved was owned, 
Who, weary of this lonely lot, 
Had ne'er his native land forgot, 

Where friends his fate bemoaned : 

261 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFI. 
XII. 

At length despair increased liis care, 

Till, longing to l)e free, 
lie cast away liis early creed. 
To find himself, from prison freed, 

A rover of the sea. 

XIII. 

He joined a band that left the land 

For plunder o'er the foam ; 
The corsair crew no pity knew, 
And swiftly o'er the waters flew, 
That bathed his early home. 

XIV. 

His valor won a fight, begun 

With ships fr(_)m Venice fair ; 
And now the chieftain he was named, 
While Terror's accents oft proclaimed, 
That ruin was his care. 

262 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFI. 
XV. 

Amalfi's sliore re-eclioed o'er 

The name lie newly l)ore, — 
For Angelo was All called, — 
And niotliers' hearts grew more appalled 

As redder grew his score. 

XVI. 

With knightly tread, Luigi le<l 

A valiant hero band 
To watch the coast when ships appeared. 
Lest rovers, like the chief they feared, 

Should boldly strive to land. 

XVII. 

The corsairs sought, — whene'er they fought, 

And won a golden prize 
Along Salerno's gulf, — to hide 
Their booty in tlie ruins wide 

Where Paestum's shafts arise. 

263 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFT. 
XVIII. 

A gallant fleet had met defeat, 

And, treasures vast tlieir spoil. 
They hastened to the lonely scene, 
Where Neptune's columns rise between 
The shrines, to crown their toil. 

XIX. 

A distant blaze soon met tlieir gaze, 

For scouts had warned the land ; 
And now Luigi's warriors came, 
A squadron bold, athirst for fame, 
To crush the Moslem band. 

XX. 

The corsair crew their weapons drew ; 

While All's rampant zeal 
Soon led them to assail the kniuht ; 
And yataghans shone fiercely bright, 

Destructive blows to deal. 

204 



A ROMANCE OF A:\rALFI. 

XXI. 

To gnai-d tlieir coast, the Cliristian host 

Cliarged bravely on the foe : 
Their war-crv sounded loud and true, 
And deadly javelins gleamino- flew 
To lay the Moslem low. 

XXII. 

Luigi sought where Ali fought 

With scimitar and shield. 
And, raising high his noble sword. 
Smote down the leader of tlie horde, 

Whose blood soon dyed the field. 

XXIII. 

With furious strife to save his life.- 
The corsairs thronged around. 
Till many a Christian knight and squire, 
With cloven helm and rich attire, 
Lay slain upon the ground. 

2G5 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFI. 
XXIV. 

The Moslems then, like gallant men, 

Retreated to tlie sliore ; 
They bore brave All in their arms, 
While many muttered mj'stic cliarms 

To soothe his wounds the more. 

XXV. 

Luiai's band, alono; the strand, 

Maintained a stuldjorn light. 
Until the corsairs launched their bark, 
And, favored hj the evening dark. 
Succeeded in their llight. 

XXVI. 

The wounded chief now found relief, 

Yet hovered near the shore, 
Resolved to greet the charming face 
That lent his youthful dreams their grace. 
If fate would smile once more. 
2GG 



A EOMANCE OF A]\IALFI. 
XXVII. 

His dauntless crew impatient grew, 

Till leaving tliem, unknown, 
A slender skiff, he cliose for speed, 
Soon bore liim where a daring deed 
Might make the maid his own. 

XXVIII. 

The Christians saw the Moors withdraw. 

Then hastened home with jov, 
Displaying trophies bravely won : 
Salerno triumphed like the sun, 

And blessed their grand employ. 

XXIX. 

Amalii hailed her warriors mailed ; 

Luigi's name was sung 
Throughout the land, and damsels vied 
With knights in greeting liim with pride, 

While garlands gay they flung. 

267 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFL 
XXX. 

Biiinca smiled, lior cares beguiled 

By tales of knight] v deeds, 
And praised Luigi's valor true ; 
While briglitly winged the hours flew. 

Like bees o'er flowery meads. 

XXXI. 

At eve she sought the grotto, wrought 

To tears by ha|)py (b'eams : 
But, mindful of her eai'lv love, 
Soon turned her wandering thoughts above 

To stars' mysterious beams : 

XXXTT. 

"While 'neath tlie sky his course mav lie. 
Who won my girlish heart. 
My faith will hope for meeting yet : 
Perlia})s when life's bright star has set," 
She dreamed, "we ne'er shall ])art." 

2G8 



A ROMANCE OF AMAT.FI. 
XXXIII. 

What rustled then along the glen ? 

She started in surprise ; 
For Moorish robes and turban light 
Appeared to mock lier wondering sight. 

And Ali met lier eyes: 

XXXIV. 

' Fair Bianca, see ! I come to thee, 

'T is Angelo that speaks !" 
The corsair murmured: wild with grief 
She gazed upon the haughty chief, 
And tears bedewed her cheeks. 

XXXV. 

' Restore thy gold, thou corsair bold," 
She sighed, " and let me fiy ; 

I loved voung Angelo the brave ; 

But thou, a renegade and slave : 
Ah, rather would I die ! "" 

269 



A EOMANCE OF AMALFI. 
XXXVI. 

"Come, Bianca love, the stars al)ove," 
He wliispered, "smile for thee ; 
Oh fly with me across the foam : 
There waits a happv, distant home, 
"Where ]»alms adoi'n the sea ! " 

XXXVII. 

" Thy wounds betray the recent fray," 
She answered through her tears, 
"If Christian blood hath stained thy sword, 
. IS'o liap})iness could love afford : 
I shriidc with maiden fears. 

XXXVIII. 

" Oh change th}' life, and cease from strife; 

I never can be thine : 
Forget the past, and look on high ; 
Perha})S in yonder radiant sky 

We '11 meet Ijy power divine ! " 

270 



A EOMANCE OF AMALFL 
XXXIX. 

The corsair gazed, as tliougli amazed, 

Then 1 )ent to seize his prey ; 
Biaiiea slirieked, and lo ! the knight 
A|)peared before the grotto's height, — 
And held the Moor at bay. 

XL. 

Luigi's bhide her })rayer obeyed. 

And s})ared the wounded foe ; 
While Angelo's remorse began 
To shape his life Avith altered plan ; 
He sought a shrine below. 

XLI. 

The knight and maid now left the shade 

To reach her lonely tower : 
Luigi yowed his loye so well, 
Bianca's blush alone could tell 
How true she felt his power. 

271 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFI. 
XLII. 

Amalfi's kiiiglit, wlio gained tlio light, 
AVas worthy deemed hy all ; 

While rivals eiivie<l such a lot, 

Luigi's prowess, ne'er forgot, - 
Tlieir ])laudits wonld reeall. 

XLIII. 

He bore his bride, in joyous pride, 

To dwell Ijesidc a stream 
That murmured round his ancient towers 
AVhile orange-groves arrayed their llowers 

To mahe her life a dream. 

XI AY. 

They wandered o'er the i^eljbly shore. 

And often sought the grot 
Where he had guarded her so well; 
Then oft, transported, he would tell 

How he had gained the spot. 



A ROMANCE OF AMALFI. 

XLV. 

One eve tliey saw, witli reverent awe, 

A monk absorbed in prayer, 
Who told bis beads with raptured eyes, 
As, gazing on the starry skies. 
He sought forgiveness there. 

XLVI. 

'T was Angelo that knelt below 

The grotto's dreamy height ; 
For cloister-walls had bent his pride, 
And naught he sought on earth beside 
A pilgrim's path of light. 

XLVII. 

The grotto's shrine seemed half divine, 

As moonlight decked the sea ; 
The pilgrim felt the heavens near ; — 
Then Bianca shed a silent tear. 
For Angelo was free. 

273 



THE TAKING OF NEW ORLEANS. 



stately live-oaks' verdant guise, 

And orange groves, wliere Southern skies 

O'er madly rusliing floods arise. 

Ye breathe of war's snl)limity ! 



II. 



Armed ramparts ruled the river wide, 
And mail-clad vessels swej)t the tide. 
Forbidding Freedom's flag to ride 
The glorious Mississippi. 

274 



THE TAKING OF NEW OELEANS. 



III. 



A valiant fleet displayed its miglit, 
And swift the sunbeams turned to niglit 
Witli smoke, illumed by rockets bright 
And fiasli of manj^ a battery : 



IV. 



Though fire-ships' came flaming down, 
The Commodore, with dauntless frown, 
Advanced to seize the distant town, 

While roared the cannon threatening 



The glowing shells, with lightning gleams, 
Like meteors hurled in fiery streams. 
Assailed his ships, they crowned wutli beams 
Of radiant immortality : 

275 



THE TAKING OF NEW ORLEANS. 

9 

VI. 

Witli hearts as stauncli as knights of old, 
The saik:)!- warriors, true and bold. 
Where Ijattle's heaviest thunders rolled, 
Swept thro' the shells' wild hurricane. 

VII. 

With awful strife a fleet was won ; 
The forts then ceased to cloud the sun ; 
At length, the crash of l)Ooining gun 
No longer thrilled in majesty. 

VIII. 

But now, when quiet reigns supreme, 
We tell the story like a dream, 
How Farragut, by fort and stream. 
His heroes led to victory ! 

27G 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER 



The Rhone leaps down where mountains frown, 
Like Titans, round her glacier spring. 

While, far below the glittering snow, 
Her ripples flash on rainbow wing. 



II. 



O wondrous height of gleaming light, 
Where chamois hunters gaily leap. 

Thy icy breast affords no rest 

For those thy arms would fondly keep ! 

277 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



III. 



The chamois seeks the lofty peaks ; 

There winter's reign is never o'er ; 
Yet hunters brave the frozen wave, 

And reach where man ne'er climbed before. 



IV. 



Though storm winds fought, young Albert sought 

The crags for that exciting chase ; 
His valor reft the Alps, and left 

The antelope no resting-place. 



The rapid flood oft stirred his blood, 

Where Aar's blithe river plunges down ; 

And, standing near the torrent clear, 
He dreamed his love deserved a crown. 

278 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



VI. 



For chains liis heart endured, apart 
From her he hoj)ed to call his own, 

And oft her name in echoes came, 

When wandering near the rushinp; Elione. 



VII. 

A rival dwelt where glaciers belt 
Fair Grindelwald's romantic vale; 

He wooed the maid whose heart obeyed 
The power of Albert's whispered tale : 

VIII. 

Her modest home rose near the foam 
Of Staubbach's veil of mistj spray ; 

Like happy bird her songs were heard. 
With many a yodel's warble gay. 

279 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



IX. 



When moonlight shone o'er mountains lone, 
She wandered oft to see the snow 

On Jungfrau's height reflect the light, 
In dazzling; beams of silver glow. 



X. 



Brave Albert came her thonghts to claim 
By deep devotion, and to bring 

The spoils he won 'neath burning sun. 
And hear fair Margaret sweetly sing. 



XL 



He urged his suit, but she was mute, 
Although she felt his wondrous power : 

For Kudolph's love aj^peared above 
His comrade's in the evening hoar. 

280 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XII. 



When Rudolph said his fate he read, 

And praised the youth who won her heart, 

Within her eyes a sweet surprise 
Betrayed a love too deep for art. 

XIII. 

He strove to tell, whate'er befell 

His early dreams, he fain would live 

Where he might hear her footsteps cheer 
The way, since hope she could not give. 

XIV. 

Well Albert knew his rival flew 

Across the Wengern Alp, like bird, 

To greet the maid, whose charms arrayed 
New strife, where'er her name was heard. 

281 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XY. 



By daring deed, each sought to lead 
Her heart to dwell on him alone ; 

And told of peaks, that blanched her cheeks, 
"Where eagle's wing had scarcely flown. 

XVI. 

Each gladsome day they chased their prey 
"Where Alps, 'mid glacier seas, arise 

With ic}^ spires, like Gothic choirs, — 
Cathedrals of the mighty skies, 

XVII. 

Their steps were true, though dangers grew. 
In bounding o'er the vast crevasse, 

While uji the steep, like chamois' leap. 
They scaled the showy mountain j^ass. 

282 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XVIII. 



She heard their tale, nor could avail 
Her prayers to tempt them to refrain^ 

Although a smile would oft beguile 

Her thousfhts to dream these fears were vain. 



XIX. 

The Jungfrau's crown of snow looks down 
To woo the traveller's heart to climb 

"Where, veiled in white, her dangerous height 
Is decked as though the bride of Time. 



XX 

Brave hearts must lead the course indeed 
Of those who seek the dizzy crest ; 

There mountaineers, who smile at fears. 
Might dare the world the crags to breast. 

283 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XXI. 



All-glorious peaks ! the summer weeks 
Bring worshippers to view a shrine 

Whose mountains bright are crowned with light, 
Like altars reared by might divine. 

XXII. 

Then silence reigns o'er crags and plains, 
As waiting for the full-voiced choir, 

That bursts in power when tempests lower, 
And lightning strikes her thunder-ljre. 

XXIII. 

A daring band had reached the land 

Where avalanches crashing roll, 
To climb, with zest, the shinins; crest 

The Jungfrau wears to fire the soul : 

284 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XXIV. 



Her wondrous miles of gleaming wiles 
Extend, like giant arms, to greet 

With dread caress whoe'er address 
Their might to rise like chamois fleet. 

XXV. 

At break of morn, the Alpine horn 
Aroused the echoes rolling wide, 

And clouds gave way before the day, 
Whose glance adorned the valleys' pride. 

XXVI. 

The hunters came, with famous name, 
From many a glacier's icy fount, 

To lead, where beam the heights supreme. 
The youths who sought the awful mount 

285 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XXVII. 



The J clambered liigL, as thougli the sky 
Were what their courage strove to reach, 

O'er ice and snow ; till far below 
Eose heights that late incited each. 

XXVIII. 

A cord, entwined, their strength combined, 
And Albert boldly climbed the way ; 

His face shone bright in danger's sight. 
While all obeyed his gallant sway. 

XXIX. 

He bravely led o'er ice-fields dread. 
With merry heart and kindling eye, 

Eejoiced to show the realms of snow, 
That glowed beneath the azure sky. 

286 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XXX. 



With bold device, lie cleft tlie ice, 
Till diamond steps appeared to rise 

To lead tlie brave where genii rave 
When mortals press so near the skies. 



XXXI. 



The day was bright, yet snow-flakes light 
Half veiled a terrible crevasse : 

He bounding said : " AVith hunter's tread, 
A valiant heart may safely pass." 



XXXII. 



Beyond arose the heights that close 
The glaciers' path with icy stairs : 

A gay, young count, who spurns the mount, 
Is lost amid these fearful snares : 



287 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XSXIII. 



A shriek ! a cry from kinsmen nigli ; 

The cord is strangely cut in twain : — 
The deep crevasse receives a mass 

Of struggling youths, who shout in vain 



iXXIV. 

The Alpine sprites with mystic lights 
Illumed the chasm as they fell ; 

Or 't was the ray the king of day 

Threw down to loose each magic spell. 

XXXV, 

The chief was spared, while Rudolph dared 
To rend the cord to save his life : — 

Like raging fire was Albert's ire ; 
He cursed the use of caitiff knife. 

288 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XXXVI. 



The strands gave way the instant they 
Had seized the ice to stay the fall ; 

But now he sought, with dauntless thought, 
To reach the grot and save them all : 



XXXVII. 

Let knotted cord its aid afford : 

Young Albert fastened one, with care. 

He ever brought, by danger taught, 

And then swunu' boldlv throus:h the air. 



XXXVIII. 

Descending deep, the dreadful steep 
Soon towered o'er his noble head, 

While emerald lia-ht shone ever brisjht 
Where ice-cliffs frowned above the dead 

289 



THE CHAMOIS HUXTER. 



XXXIX. 



A gallant youtli was crushed, in truth, 
And sadly round his form the rest 

Awaited now, with anxious brow, 
Whate'er the leader deemed the best. 



XL. 



heart at rest ! a spirit blest 

Soars joyfully to starry realms : 
In icy halls each thought recalls 

Thy crowns of w^orth, lilce knightly helms ! 

XLI. 

When Alljert gained the cavern, pained 
To hear the count had perished there, 

lie bade each friend, in turn, ascend, 
And scale the heights of upper air. 

290 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XLII. 



The hapless corse, then left perforce, 
Secured bj his heroic care, 

They waft above with arms of love :- 
A woful burden 't is to bear. 



XLIII. 

The champion lone, more zealous grown, 
Now lingers,- like the sunbeam's glow. 

In sapphire sheen the cliffs between, 

"Where heaven had dawned on one below ; 

XLIV. 

Then calls in turn to gladly learn 
That all is well ; and bids them fling 

The trusty strands his fate demands, 
That he may, climbing, succor bring ; — 

291 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



XLV. 



But Eudolpli dreamed liis rival, deemed 
The bravest Swiss on glaciers wild, 

Might bid them mark his treason dark ; 
And cruel tliouolits his heart besuiled. 



XLVI. 

He hurled the cord : ere Albert soared, 
Like angel guarding those he saved ; 

What demon blade its power essayed? 
The strands flew down the clifil: he braved. 



XLVII. 

A cry of grief for their .young chief 
Arose upon the sighing air : 

All left in haste the icy waste. 
To call new aid and rescue there. - 

292 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 
XLVIII. 

Adown the mount they bore the Count, 
While requiems were gently sung 

By wailing winds, till mourners' minds 
With woful agony were wrung. 

XLIX. 

The storm clouds rose, like angry foes, 
To drive them from the dreary height ; 

Then raved the blast, and phantoms vast 
Swept by on wings of awful might : 

L. 

With thunder tones, from icy thrones, 
The avalanches, hurled in power, 

O'ertook their flight to vales of lig-ht, 
Yet spared them in that dreadful hour : 

293 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTEE. 



LI, 



While Enclolpli showed new zeal, and glowed 
With hope that soon the maiden sweet 

Might lieed his prayer ; the piercing air 
But seemed his eager tlionghts to greet. 



LI I. 



Switzerland ! the stalwart band 
The traitor led could not believe, 

A son of thine, with base design, 
Would bid so many brothers grieve ! 

LIIL 

They hastened then, like trust}-" men. 
With anxious hearts, to tell, alas ! 

How, far awaj^, brave Albert lay 
A captive in a dread crevasse. 

294 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



LIV. 



Tlie woful tale readied Margaret's vale 
And swiftly as the deer she sped, 

To urge along a hard}^ throng 

To save the youth, ere life had fled. 



LV. 



All claniljered through the snow that flew 
As though to daunt their noble zeal : 

The cord they bore might hover o'er 
A scene where Death had set his seal. 



LVI. 

But, joy untold ! a hunter bold 

Descended to that icy lair 
To find the youth, unharmed in sooth. 

Ascending by a magic stair: 

295 



THE CHAMOIS HUNTER. 



LVII. 



The liero gained tlie summit, — trained 
To brave ttie glaciers' frozen tide, — 

Rejoiced to tliinlv tiiat danger's brink 
Mie-bt win bis love to be bis bride. 



LVIII. 

Fond Margaret smiled, by bope beguiled, 
And listened to bis pleading tale ; 

Wbile Rudolph fled the Alps, to wed 
His life to trouble's angry gale. 

LIX. 

Where mountains gleam o'er lake and stream, 

The lovers reared a fair retreat ; 
While bright-winged Peace bade joj^s increase 

And sweet delight their bridal greet. 

296 



